Kentwood Summer Celebration

Kentwood Kickoff to Summer Celebration 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages set for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31.

The Kickoff to Summer Celebration will feature a variety of food trucks and market vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities and live music – all taking place around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

“We’re eager to welcome the start of another beautiful summer with our Kickoff to Summer Celebration,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “With delicious food, live music and plenty of local vendors, this popular annual event brings together family, friends and neighbors for a memorable day.”

The food trucks and beer tent will be open throughout the event. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews, including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. Starting at 1 p.m., more than 15 vendors will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, sweet treats and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods will vary by vendor.

There will be live music throughout the festival by DJ Snax, Lil Rascals and Pretty Kool.

A kids zone featuring two foam parties, face painting, an obstacle course and yard games will be open from 1 to 6 p.m.

The event’s gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, Sabo PR, Triangle Construction Inc. and MSU Federal Credit Union. The silver sponsors are Arie Nol Auto Center and Moonlight Graphics Inc., and the copper sponsors are The Joint Chiropractic and Renewal by Andersen.

Learn more about the Kickoff to Summer Celebration and sign up to volunteer at Kentwood.us/KickoffToSummer.

WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.

By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages slated for Saturday, June 8.

The Kickoff to Summer Celebration features a variety of food trucks and artist vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities, live music and cornhole and beach volleyball tournaments in the area around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with another fun festival that has something for all ages,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a fantastic lineup of food, artists, musicians and activities, we’re looking forward to a full day of sharing the best in summer flavors, sights and sounds.”

The free-to-attend festival will begin with a beach volleyball tournament from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the courts near City Hall at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The tournament features four-player teams competing for a championship prize of shirts and a $100 credit toward this fall’s Kentwood Parks and Recreation indoor volleyball league.

The volleyball tournament is limited to six teams. The cost to participate is $100 per team. Those interested can register online or call 616-656-5270.

Food trucks, artist vendors and the beer tent will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the festival. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. More than 15 artists will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods varies by vendor.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Jessie Ray and the Carolina Catfish, followed by DJ Snax, Lighting Matches and Par-llo Connection.

The cornhole tournament runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. The double-elimination tournament concludes with a trophy awarded to the top team.

Each cornhole team consists of two players, and participants must be 18 or older to compete. The cost to participate is $40. Only one teammate needs to complete the registration online or by phone at 616-656-5270.

Kids activities such as face painting, an obstacle course, hoop shoot, and an art activity are offered throughout the day.

The event’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and NN Autocam Inc., gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.

Volunteers are needed for the festival. To find more event information and sign up to volunteer, visit KickoffToSummer.