By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

A chilly Friday evening was filled with fun and festivities on Dec. 6 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The annual event kicked off with a light parade, followed by the tree lighting and numerous activities for all ages, including take-home children’s crafts, cookie making, caroling, a snow globe photo booth and a visit from Santa. Patty Matters food truck also was on site.

After the tree lighting, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley explained why he thinks the holiday event is so special.

“It’s where community comes together for special moments,” Kepley said. “It’s where we can gather no matter the age, the culture, we can come together and celebrate a time of, we pray, joy and peace for all. This has become a tradition for many families and kids.

“What’s so amazing as we were in the parade, is seeing the faces of the little ones, it’s just amazing. We were in the trailer with Santa, and when they saw Santa, we saw their little faces light up and glowing; it’s just a special time.”

“We want people to know they belong here”

Mayor Kepley also talked about the importance of residents feeling like they belong to the community, stressing that Kentwood represents 90 different countries and 116 languages.


“Our goal is not for people just to be welcome, but to belong,” Kepley said. “We want people to know they belong here and are part of this community; it’s really important. Over the years and decades of having formed these relationships with people who were not born here, this is their home. It’s really absolutely special.”

Grand Marshal Carter Washington

Endeavor Elementary student Carter Washington was the grand marshal of the parade after winning the essay competition. For the third-straight year, the winner was chosen to be grand marshal with Mayor Kepley and helped light the tree. Students ages 5-18 who are Kentwood residents or attend school in Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills or Caledonia school districts were eligible to participate.

Don’t miss these fun photos of the Kentwood holiday event!

Attendees also had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. If you’d still like to donate, or want more information, log on to kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.