The city of Kent Public Works Department will have its annual free, family friendly event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 at the accesso ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St.

The event features demonstrations that crews perform daily, including keeping drinking water safe, paving Kent streets, filling potholes, trimming trees and more.

“Our Public Works Department does so many behind-the-scenes functions that keep our city going, including many tasks and activities we take for granted,” Mayor Dana Ralph said in a city news release. “This event is a great way to showcase Public Works’ important contributions to the quality of life in Kent.”

In addition to hands-on activities and educational displays, event participants will learn more about careers in the trades and get the opportunity to climb on some of the Public Works equipment including a backhoe, excavator and snowplow. Other event highlights include interactive and informational displays and a scavenger hunt.

“The city’s Public Works department plays a vital role in maintaining our city’s infrastructure and supporting the city as it grows,” said Public Works Director Tim LaPorte said. “I’m proud of our work and excited to highlight some of the great work of our dedicated Public Works staff.”

Among the many annual contributions crews provide are:

• Treatment of more than 2.5 billion gallons of water to ensure it is safe to drink

• Filling more than 1,800 potholes

• Reducing the safety threat of snow and ice on Kent’s roads

• Inspection and repair of 320 miles of city streets and more than 200 miles of sidewalks

• Maintenance of 280 miles of water pipes and 210 miles of wastewater pipes

• Maintenance of police and emergency vehicles, communications, lighting and electronics

• Hosting Kent’s recycling and conservation programs

• Maintenance and repair of more than 17,000 street signs

• Inspection maintenance of more than 13 miles of flood protection levees along the Green River