Seafair Torchlight Parade

Seattle's Seafair tradition continues on Sat, July 30th, with the Torchlight parade starting at 7:30 pm. This is an event not to be missed.

Check the link below for parade route information and for other Seafair information. Have fun!

Seafair

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Tacoma Bicycle Race

This Saturday, July 31st from 3-10pm, is the final Twilight Criterium race through downtown Tacoma.

This if a fun event where spectators can see bicycles zip by a short route and led by a Ferrari. Some speeds are expected to reach about 30mph. The race is expecting about 350 participants.

Get your race on!

Tacoma Twilight Criterium

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Intetesting new wildlife habitat- Tacoma

My kids are always interested to learn how things work. The dreaded 'Why?' question, over and over again. It can be tiresome at times, but it is also amazing to see their little brains at work, assimilating new information.

This new habitat appears to be a great place to teach them about tides, marshland and other parts of natural habitat. It's located on Maine View Drive by the Port of Tacoma. See the link below for more details.

Port of Tacoma - Hylebos Creek habitat restoration project

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Used book sale in University Place

This Saturday, July 30th from 10-4 pm, go to the Pierce County library, University Place branch, and browse/buy used books. This is for a great cause and a great way to keep eveyones mind engaged for the rest of the summer.

Tweet from TweetCaster

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Sumer Lovin - Grease Sing Along - Olympia

In Huntamer Park in Olympia WA on July 23rd at dusk (8:30 or 9pm) there will be a Grease sing-a-long.  Which means, the movie will play on an outdoor screen and words for the songs will run accross the screen too.  (But, if you are a fan like me - you won't need them.)  This sounds like so much fun.  So my friends in Olympia, have fun, belt out the class tunes from Grease and fall in love with Sandy and Danny all over again. 

Huntamer Park

3rd Thursday Artwalk & Bus

1701 Pacific Ave.This is a really neat experience.  Hop a bus, and get a tour of art venues and Tacoma by a local Tacoma celebrity.  Today, August 21st from 6-9pm, take the bus to the free museums offered in downtown Tacoma!  Meet at the Tacoma Art Museum 1701 Pacific Ave. at 6-pm.  Details

19th Annual Maritime Festival - Tacoma

This one is a doozy.  The Maritime Festival is always a ton of fun and totally FREE!  Ive taken my kids to this event for 3 years running now.  The weekend is jam packed and the last 2 years, I have gone on both Saturday and Sunday!  On August 27th and 28th, from 10am-6pm, at the Thea Foss Waterway and Seaport, the Maritime Festival is combining with the Clean Green Boating Festival and will have even more activities.  Examples include:

• Unlimited Light Hydroplanes - SAT & SUN
• FREE Tacoma Rail Tours - SAT Only
• FREE Port Harbor Tours - SUN Only
• Quick & Dirty Boatbuilding Competition - SAT Only  Details  Entry Form 

(The boatbuilding competition is $60 but proceeds benefit the youth foundation, and looks like A LOT of fun!)

Park at the Tacoma Dome park n ride and ride the tram through downtown Tacoma to catch the continuously running shuttle bus at the end of the line.  Or, you can PAY to park on Thea Foss.

Fresh Berries are IN!

Bad news: with the cooler weather, local berry crops have taken longer to ripen.  Good news: this means berries are larger, sweeter and juicier.  Yum, Yum!

Some local farms to pick and or buy berries:

• Foxberry Farm: 4220 Gay Road E., Tacoma
• Moon Farm: 2615 Tacoma Road E., Puyallup
• Picha’s Berry Farm: 6502 52nd St. E., Puyallup
• Scholz Farm: 14310 128th St. East., Puyallup
• Spooner Farms: 9622 State Route 162 E., Puyallup or 2506 E. Main St., Puyallup
• Terry’s Berries: 4520 River Road, Tacoma

More Local Berry Farms

Junk in the Trunk - Community Garage Sale at Sprinker

On Saturday, July 30th, from 9-4pm at Sprinker Recreation Center, fill the trunk of your car/truck/camper and have a garage sale.  Vendor fee is reasonable ($15/car-truck-van or $25/RV-Camper) and there should be a fair number of people coming by for the sale. 

Register early for the best spots and get some summer-cleaning out of the way just in time for the school shopping to begin.  Click here

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Weekly Summer Story Hour - Conservatory

Jul 21, 2011
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location - W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
Price: FREE

Tomorrow, enjoy a story hour among all the beautiful plants at the Conservatory.  On the schedule is a reading of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.  Children also get to create a craft (leaf prints or twig books) as well as perform a science activity (tree walk).

Get out, have fun and enjoy a special hour with the kids reading, enjoying the scenery and engaging in great conversation about the environment.

Old Fashioned Fun at Ft. Nisqually

Enjoy an evening of Old Fashioned Fun at Fort Nisqually's 19th Century Family Fun Night on July 22 from 6 - 9 pm. Bring a picnic and learn the games, music and dancing of the mid-1800s. Click here for more information.

Admission:$6/adults
$5/seniors, military, students
$4/Ages 4-17
Free/Ages 3 and under
$22/family (2 adults & up to 6 kids)

Ethnic Fest at Wright Park - Tacoma

On July 30th-31st, from 12-7pm, Metro Parks is hosting the 25th Annual Ethnic Festival at Wright Park in Tacoma.  Ethnic Fest is a great celebrations of the many different nationalities that all live in Tacoma/Pierce County.  Try different foods, watch traditional dances, and shop for great crafts represented by these different countries around the world. 

People of all ages will find something to do there.  Adults will enjoy the event, including the different vendors.  Children will enjoy the new upgraded park equipment and spraypark as well as the kids zone set up for the festival. 

If you don't want to try and find a place to park, consider parking at the Tacoma Dome park and ride and taking the #1 bus from the T-Dome to Wright Park. 

Amelia Earhart in Gig Harbor

People have been facinated with Amelia Earhart ever since she disappeared in 1937.  In my humble opinion, she has been a hero to many because of her unwavering dedication to her passion, flying.  She showed how determination can overcome many obsticals that people and life might put in your path.  This is something that can be admired by both boys and girls alike. 

For those who would enjoy learning more about her life and history, a top Earhart researcher in the US will give a talk and answer questions at the Gig Harbor Pierce County Library at 10:30-1:30 (Movie:

The Final Hours: Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight will begin at 11:15am) on July 23rd. 

Amelia Earhart

Tangled - FREE Movie at Tacoma Main Library

Tomorrow, on July 18th at 1pm at the Main Branch of the Tacoma Library, stop by to see a FREE movie, Tangled with the kids.  This movie is based on Rapunzel.  It was a hit at the theater, but if you are anything like me and don't go to the theater very often, then you missed it.  Catch it here, for FREE and maybe check out a book too. 

Click here for more details. 

Robot Garage, Museum of Flight

At the Swasey Public Library, 7001 Sixth Ave, on Saturday July 23rd at 11am, participants use robotics kits to explore the basic engineering required to build a successful terrestrial rover. For grades 6-12; registration required.

To register for this event and others like it, please visit our calendar

Woopie is Wednesday - on Sat at Foss Waterway

On Saturday, July 23rd from 11:30-3:30, visit Foss Waterway Museum for a boat building event.  On this Saturday and on subsequent Wednesdays, a group of children will be able to learn about the sea and usually build something to cement the understanding.  This is a great program.  While a bit more expensive than I usually post (I love FREE, but its not to be this time)  $23 gets admission for 1 Adult and 2 Children (ages 8-14) plus a kit to build a T12 boat.  Click here for details

Spaces fill up fast, so reserve soon.  AND, check out the other days too.  Some of the other events include:

• July 27th - Ships in Bottles

Old Town Tacoma Pioneer Day Festival

A free, family oriented event, on July 16th from 11:30am - 4:30pm, the Job Carr Museum will host the Pioneer Day Festival in Old Town Tacoma on N 30th street.  There will be educational and hands-on activties for all ages as well as demonstrations by local crafts people.    Click here for more details.

There will be a guided walking tour of Old Town that you can pay for ($10 Adults/ $5 Children) leaving at 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm.  Because of limited parking on N30th street, consider parking on Ruston Way and walking up to N 30th street.

Vashon Island Strawberry Festival

Vashon Island has held a strawberry festival for 109 years.  Wow, that's a lot of years.  Starting in 1909, Vashon Island shipped more than 120,000 crates of strawberries and decided to celebrate.  Since then, the name might have changed to reflect the changes in the residents, but the festival itself remains.  This weekend July 16th and 17th, the tradition continues from 10am till 6pm.  Festival Info

A personal weakness, strawberries are a focal center of the festival with strawberry sundaes, strawberry lemonade, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry topped pancakes, strawberry smoothies, strawberry ice cream and chocolate dipped strawberries at the festuval along with other locally grown and havested goodies. 

Because this is an Island, you will need to consult the ferry schedule and consider taking the shuttle.  Click here

Gig Harbor Arts Festival

On July 16th and 17th from 10am-5pm Gig Harbor is hosting an Arts Festival with more than 130 artists and craftsmen.  Some of the art will also be available for purchase. 

Festival parking will be at a premium. Carpooling is encouraged.
Free shuttle service will run both days from the Medical Center parking lot on Kimball Drive (near Hwy. 16). Click here for a map of the shuttle route.

This year's festival artwork was created by Kelsey Hill from Peninsula High School. Her illustration appears on all the promotional materials. Congratulations to Kelsey and to PHS art teacher Christine Burris. 

Tacoma Greenfest

At the Portland Avenue Community Center and Park on July 16th from 10am till 5pm TEAM (Tacoma Eastside Action Membership) is hosting a green fest.  You can learn about sustainable lifestyles, gardening, and take part in a great community event. 

Seafair Milk Carton Derby

The Seafair pirates are back!  Tomorrow, Sat July 16th, at Green Lake, watch the Pirates Booty Seafair Milk Carton Derby from 10am-4pm.  Cheer and Jeer for your favorites.  The Derby is highlighted by a full day of "competition" as children, adults, families and businesses build milk carton watercraft for show and racing.

Check here for event details.

Tiptoe throught the Tidepools

This Saturday, July 16th, Metro Parks is hosting another low tide event at Titlow Beach from 11am-2pm.  The event is free and a Tacoma Nature Center staff member will be on hand to answer questions and bring adventure to the event. 

So, bring the family to enjoy touch tanks and experience the nature of the Pacific Northwest. 

T-Town Throwdown Bike Trials Competition

Visit Ruston Way near Marine Park on Saturday, July 16 and experience a bike competition rarely seen in Tacoma.

Taking place on the rocks, beach, logs and other natural obstacles on the Ruston Way waterfront, the T-Town Throwdown Bike Trials competition is like rock climbing - on a bike!Grueling and interesting courses for various levels of expertise will be marked among rocks and other natural features.

The goal of the competition is to go through a course without putting a foot down. Points are earned each time a foot touches. The rider with the lowest point total is declared the winner.

Registration is $10 for beginners/$20 for NATS Members and $25 for Non-NATS members.  However, VOLUNTEER and its FREE!  Details

FREE Family Play Nights - South Park

On July 15th, at the South Park from 5-8pm, Metro Parks has schedule events that you can do with your children after work.  This is great bonding time.  Pack a picnic dinner, go to the park and enjoy the sunshine with the kiddos run and play or create a craft! 

Check out the flyer at the left for the other days.  Maybe you like this one so much you will check out the other ones too! 

See you there!

Fire & Bike Safety in Sumner

Go see a fire truck at Skid Lids and Smoke Eaters: Safety Day with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.  Firefighters will present safety information.  You can buy bike helmets and make reflectors.  All this is FREE! 

Show up between 11-1pm at Summit Pierce County Library (5107 112th St E) 

Lets keep those kids safe when riding !  Safety Flier

Maurice Sendak Exhibit at South Hill Library

The Pierce County Library system has a Maurice Sendak travelling exhibit on show from July 9th - August 19.  The traveling exhibit, In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak, explores the influence of cultural heritage on the imaginative worlds of the award-winning author/illustrator of more than 100 books.
As part of this exhibit, the South Hill branch is offering several activities in the coming weeks to celebrate the artist and author.  July 14th at 10:30, Watch "Where the Wild Things Are" (PG) for FREE!

For a more complete listing, go to the press release for Maurice Sendak.

Movies in the Park - Puyallup

Saturdays in late July and late August the Puyallup Parks and Rec department are offering family friendly movies in the park at Bradley Lake Park, 531 31st SE.

The movies are FREE, and you can bring your own refreshment/eats, so its even better than the theater.  Moview begin at DUSK (8-9:30pm or so, bring something to keep the kids busy until the movie starts!  Have fun.)

• Sat. July 16th - Nanny McFee Returns
• Sat. July 30th - Legends of the Guardian
• Sat. Aug 13th - Tangled
• Sat. Aug 27th - Toy Story 3

They also offer 2 Teen movie nights:

• Fri. July 29th - Alice in Wonderland w/ Johnny Depp
• Fri. Aug 12th - Twilight Eclipse

Chalk the Walk - Gig Harbor

This is neat.  The city of Gig Harbor is offering up its streets for legal, albeit washable, grafitti.  That's right, on July 16th from 10-12pm, you can check in, get sidewalk chalk and create a masterpiece.  Meet at the corner of Pioneer and Harborview Drive, from there you will receive further instruction of where to start your art.   

This is a FREE event, so bring your imagination and creativity.  Chalk the Walk

Music in the Park - Puyallup

At Pioneer Park in Puyallup, every Thursday in July/August, the City of Puyallup Parks and Recreation Department is hosting Concerts in the Park.  During the LUNCH hour, (12-1pm), and AFTER work (6:30-8:30pm) the City of Puyallup is hosting a variety of groups and musical guests from Irish Dancers to a Beatles Tribute band (British Export 7/28). 

Pioneer Park is at 324 S. Meridian and has a nice big toy for the kiddos to play on and lots of space to run.  Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the scenery and the feel of small-town, downtown Puyallup.

Concerts in the Park

Whaling Days

No, you do not watch people hunt whales at this festival.  This festival is full of fun, no killing necessary (unless its your diet)  Running in Silverdale, this festival brings fun family entertainment to Kitsap County for 39 years.  Thats allota years! 

The festival starts with a BANG as you watch fireworks at 9pm Friday July 29th.  The next morning, you can start your day off right with a pancake breakfast courtesy of the local rotary on Sat. July 30th.  Then, to work off all the calories you ate on Saturday, enroll yourself in the Tour de Kitsap bicycle race on Sunday July 31st.    (Pre-registration required by JULY 15th.)  All in all, this should be a great weekend full of fun events.  Ill bet there is something for everyone. 

FREE Fieldtrips

In conjunction with the summer playground activcities through Metro Parks this summer, you can catch a bus that takes you on a field trip for the day.  The trip is FREE, but you should pack your own sack lunch an be prepared to chaperone your children.  The recommended age range for these field trips are 6-12.

Some of the events with this are:

• July 6th         Titlow Eco-Challenge
• July 13th       Nature Day at Point Defiance and Owen Beach
• July 20th       Northwest Trek

You can pick up the bus at several locations.  See more at:

www.metroparkstacoma.org/playgrounds

Story Time at the Conservatory

Every week at Metro Parks Conservatory in Wright Park, they offer a nature themed story hour along with an activity for the children to complete.  On Thursday July 14th, from 11-12pm, they are reading one of my favorites, The Very Hungry Caterpillar along with some science on Bugs and Butterflies.  See the flyer below for additional days below. 

Good Smelling and Good Fun

Nothing reminds me more of some of my favorite summer time activities than the scent of lavender.  I will admit.  I am a sucker for the scent of lavender.  Not the cloying fragrance, but the clean smell of real lavender.  I love how it relaxes you in a hot bath at the end of a stressful day.  I love the way a great lotion smells and softens the hands.  Most of all, I love how a lavender scented massage oil just wisks you away to a better/happier place. 

That said, July 15th - July 17th, Sequim is hosting its 15th Annual Lavender Festival.  Come one/come all.  You can take a tour of the farms - FOR FREE this year!  You can even enjoy a glass of lavender wine in the wine/beer garden at the street fair.  Park for free in the JCPenny's lot and take a shuttle bus to the street fair.  Busses run every 15-20 minutes.  Have fun everyone!

http://lavenderfestival.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50:streetfair2011&catid=37&Itemid=44

Covington Days

Covington Days is a Seafair sanctioned event.  That means, this is just one of the many events leading up to the pirates landing and start of official Seattle Seafair exgtravaganza.  Covington days is from Friday July 15th- Sunday July 17th. 

Because the site of the event has changed from the prior years venue,  to Cedar Heights Middle School, the route for the parade will be changing as well.  Staging begins on Saturday July 16th at the elementary school at 9am and will run from the elementary school to the middle school. 

Come one and come all to have fun at Covington Days!

Toucan Jam at Main Library

On July 12th at 11am, the Tacoma Public Library is hosting a Toucan Jam at the Main, downtown, branch of the library system.  Simply put, the Toucan Jam: Combines "Exotic instruments and music with storytelling and puppetry, Toucan Jam will take you on a musical journey around the world." 

So, if you are looking for somewhere to take the kids on a Tuesday around lunch time, then this could be the place for you to let them dance a jig to the music. 

Toucan Jam

Heros vs. Villains Clash of the Supers

The Tacoma Public Library is hosting a teen event for people to come dressed as their favorite hero or super villain.  Saturday July 9th at 1pm, there will be games and challenges to decide who is the best of the best.  Those NOT dressed in costume are warned they are innocent bystanders and could be placed in the line of fire during the challenges.  Food, contest and a movie (PG-13) are on the list. 

Registration is required.  Register here

Pacific Days - FREE Family Fun

At Pacific City Park, Friday July 8th through Sunday July 10th, Pacific Partnerships is hosting the family fun festival of Pacific Days.  The events are fun and usually FREE! 

Friday July 8th from 4pm-9pm

• Kids parade with decorated bikes (assembly at Pacific Algona Community Center at 6pm)
• 2011 Miss Pacific Princess crowning (7pm at Pacific City Park)

Saturday and Sunday schedules were still pending, but you can guarantee that there will be vendors and a great small-town fun for all to be had.  From searching their website, I saw a recipe judging contest for Sunday the 10th at 1pm.  The winning recipe will be selected to appear on the Pacific Partnerships 2012 recipe calendar.  It could be like watching Food Network live!!!  

Pacific Days

1st Annual Gig Harbor Lavender Festival

This weekend the Blue Willow Lavender Farm on July 8th & 9th, from 10am-5pm is hosting its first ever Lavender Festival.  I love the smell of lavender, some of my friends call it my 'signature' smell actually.  From lotions to potions and even food, lavender is a great renewable resource that aromatherapists agree can give you a sense of calm and peace.  What mother of 3 doesn't want that?!? 

The festival is FREE admission and has several events from musical guests to demonstrations about how to cook with lavender.  If you miss this fun filled 2 day festival, they also have children's crafts and demonstrations on an ongoing basis. 

Blue Willow Lavender Farm
10615 Wright Bliss Rd KpN
Gig Harbor WA 98329
253-225-9030
Blue Willow Lavender Farm

Movie on the Water

The Foss Harbor Marina in Tacoma will host an outdoor showing of The Abyss on July 9th.  The Marina store is usually open and you can purchase snacks.  Enjoy the ambiance of the water and the fun of a movie outdoors.  Besides, its FREE!

Remember the movie starts at dusk, so arrive around 8:30 to grab a spot, the movie might not start until 9 or 9:30.  Also, the movie is rated PG, so use your knowledge of the movie or information from various web sources, e.g. IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096754/ to see if it is appropriate for your family.  If it is, I hope you go. 

Lakewood Concert

Lakewood’s outdoor Summer Concert Series will take place every Tuesday night for seven weeks during July and August at beautiful American Lake Park. Live music will range from smooth jazz to instrumental pop!

I have tried to find more details on the City of Lakewoods website, but haven't had any luck.  More information should be pending, keep tuned.

Free Summer Science Program

The King County Library system is offering a free 5 session, hands on Science program for grades 3-5 at the Skyway Library.  The final session will be a cumulation of all other curriculum presented.  Starting 7/6, 7/13, 7/27, and 8/3 at 10am.  Science Program Registration

Skyway Library

7614 S. 126th St., Seattle, 98178

This looks like it could be really fun, especially if your kiddo loves science!  Reservations are required and closes on 7/5/2011.  However, if you are reading this on the 6th, it is always worth at least a phone call (206)772-5541.

Gig Harbor Movies in the Park (Cinema Gig)

Gig Harbor has a great program throughout July and August where they offer quality movies for families and adults who enjoy an evening of movie entertainment al fresco in the park.  Not only are the movies FREE, but you can put as much butter as you want on your own popcorn you bring from home!!  (okay, my weakness is seasoning salt and parmasan cheese over the butter, YUM!) 

Examples of adult movies are:

• Yankee Doodle Dandy (1941 with James Cagney)
• Shane (1953 western)
• Jaws

Examples of family friendsly movies are:

• Scooby Doo
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• Free Willy

See the following link for more details:  http://www.gigharborguide.com/page.php?id=953

4th of July event for the Kids

At the Pump it Up in Tacoma off 38th street, they have a 4th of July event for just the kiddos.  For $10/ child on Sunday July 3rd, from 10am till 12pm, your child can jump, eat 2 slices of pizza, creat a craft and did I mention jump? 

Reservations are highly recommended and parking is limited, so come a little early.  For the price of 1 toddler jump, you get a craft and pizza.  Thats a great deal!

http://www.pumpitupparty.com/party-packages/-p4q100009q6341.htm

Zombies in Freemont

This is for the older kids, eapecially those masquerading as adults, its Halloween in Freemont this weekwend. People are dressing up as zombies and enjoying the Red, White and Dead festival. Too cool, and only $3 to get in.

Red, White - MyNorthwest.com - Seattle Calendar of Events

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Coupon for NWTrek

With crowds and traffic this holiday weekend, consider a stay-cation and take your kids to NW Trek, for 15% off admission prices, this holiday weekend only.

Off to NW Trek this weekend? Click here (http://t.co/oR224SH) to print out an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF gen. admission coupon good for July 1-4.

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Skiing on the 4th of July? Yes!

Crystal Mountain is opening some skiing and snowboard runs for weekends in July and for reduced prices. Imagine that! You can go skiing and get a sunburn at a 4th of July festival in the same weekend.

Crystal Mountain will open ski, boarding slopes for holiday weekend

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Pierce County Bicycle Map

Pierce County has just updated their bike map, just in time for the 4th of July weekend. Riding a bike on appropriatly marked paths are safer than riding in the streets for kids, and you still get to spend quality time outdoors. So, grab your helmet and hop on the bike using the paths on this FREE map.

New Pierce County bike map is here

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Fireworks for the 4th of July

Rather than risk a ticket for organizing your own fireworks show on Monday, find a big show near you. The list below only has the major events for each city.

Find a Puget Sound 4th of July fireworks show - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

Also in Tacoma is the show at Cheney stadium, recently remodeled. July 3rd: Gates open at 5, game at 7pm and after the game bring a blanket to sit on the field to watch fireworks.

Fireworks in Steilacoom start at 10:30 pm after a day of fun filled events. http://www.steilacoom.org/4july.html

Don't forget about Freedom Fest at Joint Base Lewis McChord. Starts at noon on July 4th and headlines with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and has a bunch of events. Usually you can even show your kids a humvee or two. Freedom Fest at JBLM

Click on the following link for rules in your community over personal fireworks. Fireworks Rules/Legal vs. Illegal

And finally, in Kent, at Kent Meridian park, their annual 4th of July splash. Looks like a lot if fun, with activities for kids like boatbuilding, musical entertainment, and fireworks. Kent 4th of July Festival

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