Tag Archives: City of Kentwood Tree Lightings and Holiday Parade

Kentwood’s holiday festivities kick off this week with Holiday Tree Lighting, Light Parade

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Kentwood city officials, accompanied by Santa and carolers, at a previous annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood will begin its the holiday season festivities this week with its annual tree lighting ceremony and parade, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2, at the city complex off Breton Avenue.

The family-friendly event of all-outdoor events will take place from 6-8 p.m., at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The evening will include activities for all ages, including live music, carriage rides, a luminary walk, children’s crafts and photos with Santa, according to a Nov. 29 announcement from the city.

Entrance to the event and all activities are free.

“Many residents, including myself, look forward to Kentwood’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade as an opportunity to gather with family and neighbors to celebrate the season and spread peace and joy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Our annual event brings together the sights and sounds of the holiday season, making it a truly memorable experience for all ages.”

The parade will start at 6 p.m. and travel from the city’s Public Works Facility at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, north to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma will be closed 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade.

Groups interested in participating in the parade are asked to complete an entry form online. The cost to participate is $15.

The tree lighting ceremony will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the library. After the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, mail a letter to the North Pole, go on carriage rides, enjoy live holiday music and more.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. A list of suggested items is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

More information about the tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood Weekend News

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When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’

Writer Erma Bombeck, 1927 – 1996



By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Finding the Perfect Tree

Everyone has that nostalgic picture of the family heading off in the old red truck to get that perfect tree, followed by hot cocoa and holiday singalongs. Well before you head off to the woods (or the local tree lot), the Michigan State University Extension has a few tips to help you find that “perfect” tree, such as what are the best kinds of pine trees and how to make sure they last through the season. For more, click here.

Hark! GVSU Shall Sing!

Grand Valley State University will wrap up its Fall Arts Celebration with a special holiday musical performance featuring groups from GVSU and local school districts. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. And the gift to all? The performance is free. For more information, click here.

Area residents fill the truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.

Be Prepared

As you hit those holiday sales this weekend, do not forget that the Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. The annual event collects unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. For every toy donated, a participate will receive a raffle ticket for prizes donated by area businesses. Also, the City of Kentwood will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Light Parade. Those interested in helping may sign up online.

More than 15 million trees

According to the U.S. Agricultural Department, in 2017, 15,094,678 million Christmas trees were cut down in 2017. The Wall Street Journal reported that growing all those trees would require 19.7 miles of square land, which is roughly half of Walt Disney World or 86 percent of Manhattan.

Kentwood’s Holiday Greetings brings heartfelt words from dignitaries, citizens

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WKTV not only was there to film Holiday Greetings, we covered the entire night. (WKTV video/Micah Cho)


WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

 
The City of Kentwood officially began the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, on Friday, Dec. 7, centered around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.

The evening was filled with festive activities, including a parade, live holiday music and carriage rides, as well as caroling and a tree lighting ceremony. Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered, and Santa, of course, was there to take pictures with families.

It was also an opportunity for local dignitaries and citizens to record Kentwood Holiday Greetings, an annual service of WKTV community media. Here is a selection of those greetings:

Mayor Stephen Kepley

Doreen Scholl, Diana and Nicolas

Police Chief Thomas Hillen

 The Filler Family

Laurence Uwase

Reagan Adolfo, Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission member

For all WKTV Holiday Greetings from both Wyoming and Kentwood, visit WKTV’s YouTube Channel.

For more information about City of Kentwood community events, visit the city’s website at kentwood.us.