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Kent Cornucopia Days parade draws nearly 50 entries, highlights Seafair pirates, Blue Origin and public-safety message
Summary
Kent’s annual Cornucopia Days Parade returned to downtown with nearly 50 entries including mayor and city council members, Seafair pirates, Blue Origin and public-safety reminders from the Kent Police Department.
The 2025 Kent Cornucopia Days Parade passed through downtown Kent on Sunday, featuring close to 50 entries and a program of community groups, marching bands, veterans’ honor guards and local businesses.
Mayor Dana Ralph rode in the parade with family and thanked attendees and volunteers. “I just thank you all for coming,” Mayor Dana Ralph said during the broadcast. The Kent Lions Club, which organizes the event, was recognized repeatedly for running the long-standing festival.
The parade included civic and service organizations such as Kent Meridian VFW Post 6785, American Legion Post 15 and the Kent Police Department honor guard; youth and performing groups including the All City Marching Band, multiple drill-and-dance teams and local school marching bands; nonprofit and community groups such as Mothers Impacted by Gun Violence, Girl Scouts of Western Washington and Mother Africa; and businesses including Blue Origin, which presented displays related to its New Shepard program.
Kent Police Commander O’Reilly, who said this will be his thirtieth year with the department and his 29th Cornucopia Days, gave safety tips to parade-goers and urged people to follow street-closure signage and directions from law enforcement. “First and foremost, on a day like today, we want you to hydrate, drink lots of water,” Commander O’Reilly said. He also joked with parade performers: “If the pirates want to plunder on an evil crime spree, we’ll only take them to jail where they’ll live rent free.”
The Kent Lions Club Foundation recognized scholarship recipients during the program; emcees said the scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are awarded to Kent School District juniors or seniors who demonstrate community service. The broadcast also noted other city summer programming, including the Kent Summer Concert Series (Wednesdays at West Fenwick Park and Kent Station, Thursdays at Morrow Meadows Park through Aug. 20) and a National Night Out scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Organizers encouraged parade attendees to obey closures and safety guidance. The emcees and city staff highlighted downtown activities tied to Cornucopia Days, including a three-day kids zone at Town Square Plaza, vendor booths and nonprofit outreach.
The broadcast closed with a reminder to find event and programs information at kentwa.gov and an invitation to follow the City of Kent on social media for future events.
