KENT, Conn.— A half-century-old tradition will be re-enacted this August when the 50th annual Kent Sidewalk Festival is staged from Thursday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 9.
The three-day event has been burnished by time since it started in the 1970s as Kent Sidewalk Sale Days, featuring local merchants setting up racks and tables outside along Main Street.
It was rebranded as the Kent Sidewalk Festival in 2010, as activities expanded to include live music, product demonstrations, classes and raffles. It survived the pandemic in 2020 when it was redubbed “Shop Safe Summer Sales,” with the festival being stretched out over three weekends to allow for social distancing.
In 2021, it reverted to its classic form, with the chamber refining its presentation with each passing year.
“Sidewalk Sale Days have been part of Kent’s summer traditions for 50 years,” said Gary Kidd of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. “There will be plenty going on. It should be a lot of fun. This anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate our local businesses, artists, eateries and community organizations while welcoming visitors to experience everything Kent has to offer.”
This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever. In addition to enticing sidewalk sales, pop-up shops, food and drink specials, a town-wide prize drawing, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, visitors will also enjoy the Kent Farmers Market on Friday afternoon with its extended hours.
The event is sponsored by the Kent Chamber of Commerce and Kidd, one of the organizers, said there is a spirit of camaraderie among the participating businesses and organizations. For instance, make a purchase at St. Andrew’s renowned tag sale and claim a free succulent at the Kent Greenhouse, where there will be multiple activities. Or, present a receipt for a purchase in town and receive a free dessert at the Kent Pizza Garden.
Shoppers will find discounts of up to 70 percent at select businesses, along with books, gifts, clothing, housewares, artwork, jewelry, garden items and much more.
Local artists, nonprofit organizations, and community groups will also participate with outdoor tents, art sales, demonstrations, giveaways, fundraisers and interactive activities.
Family attractions will include children’s crafts, free balloons, a community art project and a “touch-a-truck” experience.
The Kent Volunteer Fire Department will welcome the community for a special open house on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet local firefighters, explore the firehouse and enjoy fire truck rides.
The Kent Memorial Library will continue its popular book sale Friday through Sunday, weather permitting, along with special programs for children and families. Activities planned throughout the weekend include a town scavenger hunt, a murder mystery night, space-themed story time, origami, paper folding and zine-making. Preregistration is required for select drop-off programs.
Visitors can also enjoy live music and community entertainment during the weekend, including an open drum circle Saturday afternoon and music in the courtyard at select businesses. Some businesses will have extended hours, with 45 on Main remaining open until 9 p.m. every night.
A highlight of the celebration will be a performance at 6 p.m. on the Golden Falcon field by Karl Allweier & The Real Men on Saturday, Aug. 8. Allweier is a Hudson Valley-based guitarist/ bassist who has performed and recorded with the likes of Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal of Gun’s N’ Roses, and John Platania, a session musician for Van Morrison. The Real Men, featuring Julie Damsky on bass and Norman DelTufo on drums, will perform an evening of classic rock, blues, funk and more.
The concert is sponsored by Highwatch, Bulls Bridge Autobody, Harte & Soule and Jill Scholsohn/Riverstone Jewelry.
The Kent Chamber of Commerce will have an information tent featuring Kent Pumpkin Run merchandise. Runners and walkers can register for the 50th annual run at the tent and also receive information about the community’s holiday STARS program.
Kidd said the program, a collaborative effort of the Chamber and High Watch Recovery Center, will be expanded this year. Visitors can able to pre-order stars for their own properties at the Chamber’s stand.
Events, promotions and activities vary by location and may be weather dependent. Additional information and schedule updates will be announced as the event approaches.
For updates, follow @visitkentct on social media or visit the Kent Chamber of Commerce website.
