By WKTV Staff
The City of Kentwood’s busy holiday schedule started with an Ugly Sweater Cross County 5K run on Saturday, Nov. 17, but that is just the start of the city’s season’s offerings.
Next up will be the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, slated for Friday, Dec. 7. Centered around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the free event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Holiday Light Parade will start at 6 p.m., at the Kentwood Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, and travel north to the Kentwood Justice Center at 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Roads will be closed from 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade, which will affect both Breton Avenue and Walma Avenue.
At 6:30 p.m., city officials accompanied by carolers will conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following the tree lighting, community members will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, go on carriage rides and enjoy a musical performance by the East Kentwood High School Jazz Band. The Elves Express Gift Shop will be open at the library for the duration of the event, offering a variety of gift items and gift-wrapping services.
The Ugly Sweater 5K run featured a route that showcased two Kentwood parks and a portion of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Proceeds from the race will support the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season.
More information about Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, as well as other community events, is available on the City’s website at www.kentwood.us.
