By WKTV Staff
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to celebrate the holiday season at its annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The festivities will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The event kicks off with a parade, followed by outdoor activities for all ages, including take-home children’s crafts, caroling, a ballet performance and a visit from Santa. The event is free and open to the public.
Dune Buggy food truck will be on-site with burgers, fries and beverages for purchase. Palmer House Coffee will offer beverages such as hot chocolate and coffee, and Dolce Mini Cakes will be serving mini pancakes and desserts for purchase.
“We are looking forward to hosting this special community event and bringing together neighbors, friends and loved ones to celebrate the holiday season,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “These festivities mark the change of seasons and give our wonderful community a chance to gather and spread holiday joy.”
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the City of Kentwood Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. It then travels to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma avenues will be closed 5:50-6:25 p.m. for the parade.
The tree lighting ceremony and caroling will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. After the ceremony around 6:45 p.m., community members will be able to take photos with Santa, enjoy caroling and more.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. A list of suggested donation items and drop-off locations can be found at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Essay winner determines grand marshal with Mayor Kepley
For the third year, a student essay competition will determine a grand marshal who will help Mayor Kepley light the tree. Students ages 5-18 who are Kentwood residents or attend school in Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills or Caledonia school districts are eligible to participate.
Students can enter by submitting an essay that is 1,000 words or less and answers this prompt: “What do the holidays mean to you?” Entries are due Nov. 25, and a winner will be chosen and notified by Nov. 29. Essays can be submitted online or in person at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
Groups interested in participating in the parade should complete the online entry form. The cost to participate is $10.
More information about the holiday tree lighting and parade is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.
