First Avenue South in downtown Kent turns into a party zone Sept. 11.
Merchants along the street will throw the fifth-annual First Avenue Block Party from 4-9 p.m. between Gowe and Titus streets.
“It’s not unlike Kent Cornucopia Days and putting it on one historic downtown block,” said Steve Saint Louis, owner of Earthworks Gem Design Studio and an organizer of the event. “It’s a fair-like environment. There’s the smell of food and people listening to music and sipping a beer or wine. It’s a nice, relaxed vibe.”
Music, art, food and drink are part of the block party held each year on the second Friday in September.
“The clients of the stores really enjoy it and it’s for them,” said Saint Louis, involved in his fourth block party. “It’s a way to celebrate our community and with the clients who make this block so special.”
The event started as a way for a few of the First Avenue businesses to network through the Kent Downtown Partnership. But the party has spread to the entire block and become a community celebration.
City crews will close First Avenue at about 2:30 p.m. Sept. 11 between Gowe and Titus streets to allow merchants to set up tables and booths along the street to sell food, art, jewelry and other items. The street will remain closed throughout the evening.
“We do it on a Friday night so a lot of business people can come over,” said Beth Svendson, owner of City Frame and an organizer of the party. “It is a nice community atmosphere.”
It’s also a way to help expose new businesses along First Avenue, including Petrik Photography, which opened June 1 at 231 First Ave. S. The owners of Intimate Pilates also plan to be at the party in anticipation of opening their studio in November at 212 First Ave. S.
Gray Sky Falling, a West Seattle band that plays covers of hit rock songs from the 1960s through the 1990s, provides the night’s entertainment.
“They’ve played the past two years and the crowd has really responded well to them,” Saint Louis said.
Saint Louis also has lined up a jazz quartet to play at the music stage at the south end of the block at Titus Street.
The Seattle-based Ethyl Forever Car Club will display several classic cars at the party.
Partygoers can get a portrait done on the street by artist Terri Crow. Heartbeat Yoga will offer massages. Lemon Drop Skin Care will offer facials and foot massages.
As many as eight artists are expected to display their work.
There are numerous food and drink options, including gyros from the Spiros Greek Island restaurant and drinks at the Vibe Bar and Grill beer garden. Several merchants plan to serve wine, Saint Louis said.
“The party keeps getting progressively better each year,” Saint Louis said. “It starts to work itself out after the second or third year. You just fill in the blanks.”
IF YOU GO
• What: First Avenue Block Party
• When: 4-9 p.m. Sept. 11
• Where: Downtown Kent, between Gowe and Titus streets
• Cost: Free
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