Reporter staff

It’s a Christmas gift from the Kent Lions to the community.

Kent Winterfest – featuring a Kids’ Mini Santa Parade and a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony – lights up the downtown area Saturday.

Winterfest runs 3:30 to 9 p.m. in the Town Square Plaza and Kent Station area, corners of Smith Street and 2nd Avenue.

The Santa Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Kent Station and ends at Town Square Plaza. The tree lighting ceremony, synchronized with music, fireworks and lights encompassing the entire Town Square Plaza, is at 5:30 p.m.

Other festival features – a Santa House, children’s activities including a Christmas story time put on by the Kent Library, a carousel, live entertainment and free goodies from the Kent Lions and Foundation – will be open to the public throughout Saturday.

Holiday reading begins at 3:30 p.m. in the Kent Library. Kids who attend the reading and craft making event will receive VIP seating and treats at the tree lighting immediately following.

Kent Winterfest has been held for 31 years

A crowd of 7,000 is expected.

Admission is free.

The Kent Lions & Foundation are an all-volunteer organization that produce and manage this event. The Kent Lions also produce Kent Cornucopia Days and the Kent Farmers Market, and have a proven track record of successful events that bring the community together to celebrate.

Visit www.kcdays.com/winterfest for more information.