Mayor Dana Ralph joins Kent Cornucopia Days Parade festivities with community celebration

The City of Kent, Washington, hosted the 2025 Cornucopia Days Parade on July 14, marking a significant celebration in the community's summer calendar. The event, which is recognized as South King County's largest and oldest festival, featured a variety of activities and guests, emphasizing its importance to local culture and community spirit.

The parade was emceed by Tracy Taylor and Josh Mossberg from the Kent Now podcast, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the contributions of the Seafair Parade Marshals. These volunteers have been instrumental in ensuring safety and organization at parades across the Pacific Northwest for 75 years. The hosts expressed gratitude for the Kent Lions Club, which organizes the festival as a community service project.

Mayor Dana Ralph made a special appearance, sharing her personal connection to the event, having attended since childhood. She reminisced about the festival's history, which began in 1946 as a celebration of the region's agricultural abundance, featuring activities like air shows and street dancing. The mayor emphasized the festival's role in fostering community ties and looked forward to the parade's festivities.

Commander O'Reilly from the Kent Police Department also participated, offering safety tips for attendees, including the importance of hydration and following road closure signs. He shared fond memories of past parades, particularly involving the playful antics of the Seafair Pirates.

As the parade approached its start time, excitement built among the crowd, with attendees encouraged to find comfortable spots to enjoy the festivities. The event showcased not only the parade but also various activities in Downtown Kent, including a kids' zone and local vendor booths.

The 2025 Cornucopia Days Parade exemplified the vibrant community spirit of Kent, bringing together residents and visitors for a day of celebration, food, and entertainment, while also looking ahead to future events like the Kent Summer Concert Series and other local festivities.