Kent Heritage Festival returns for 29th year on Saturday with music, activities

The Kent Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 29th Annual Kent Heritage Festival, which will be in downtown Kent Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The festival has grown immensely this year getting closer to its former size with a focus on small businesses and family activities after being smaller in scope and size over the past few years due to the pandemic," said Dennis Campbell, executive director of the KACC. "However, we are increasing the footprint of the festival this year and featuring a larger number of vendors, exhibitors, and foodies, with a focus on our local community and businesses invested in Kent. We are excited to be carrying on the tradition of the Kent Heritage Festival that has been such a big part of bringing our community together in fun and fellowship over the July 4th holiday weekend.”

This year’s festival will include a classic car show; live music and entertainment on two stages; a children’s play and activities area, which will include Kent Police and Fire safety vehicles, patrol cars, and firetrucks to explore, Safety Town, games, and hands on fun; 20 food stations, including local food trucks featuring a variety from Kent businesses, such as Brooks Homestyle BBQ, GRAZERS, Mamacita’s, Stoddards Ice Cream, and Roll Call Burger and Fries.

Fair food will also be on hand featuring funnel cakes and elephant ears, pierogies, and corn dogs. Nearly 70 information and vendor booths will be on display featuring non-profit organizations and artisans selling their custom, handmade pieces. The popular Kent Jaycees Ducks Down the River will take place at 6 p.m., with help from the Kent Fire Department. Featured downtown Kent restaurants include the Haymaker Farmers’ Market, breweries, pubs, coffee shops, art galleries, retail shops, DORA, and more will be open and ready. PBS will join with Daniel the Tiger and a story time on Hometown Bank Plaza at 1:45pm. The festivities will be capped off with fireworks display at dark.

Downtown streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. The event is free and open to the public.

The concert schedule, list of food vendors, artisans, non-profits, and informational booths can be found at https://www.kentbiz.com/heritagefestival .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent Heritage Festival returns for 29th year on Saturday with music, activities