Kent Summer Festival and Sidewalk Sale Days

If you've never been to the Kent Summer Festival and Sidewalk Sale Days, you owe yourself a treat when the town of Kent sets out its tents and holds its heralded festivities on Thursday through Sunday, August 1-4. The town sizzles with activity. Special activities abound, and those who have frequented past Sale Days know what wonderful, cost-efficient purchases can be found when merchants set out sale tables under tents in front of their stores.

If you're craving a scrumptious dessert, you will want to check out the NCAP Bake Sale at St. Andrews Church on Saturday and catch the St. Andrews Tag Sale on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, the Lion's Club will hold its traditional Lobster Sale right in the middle of town, offering both steamed and live lobsters.

A classic car raffle will entice those who wish to become the proud owners of a 1931 Chevrolet five-window coupe; the tickets are limited to 3,000 and sell for $20 apiece. The proceeds will benefit the Kent Memorial Library, which is also holding its popular outdoor bargain book sale.

A Farmers' Market will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon. The Kent Volunteer Fire Department will offer free rides on their fire truck from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Free balloons and popcorn for everybody, sponsored by The Kent, a healthcare facility, will be found in the center of town.

Lovers of fine art will be delighted to view paintings by artists from the Northeast at the annual prestigious President's Show at the Kent Art Association, 21 South Main Street, just south of the Monument. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Mikata, an 11-piece rhythm band comprised of New England commissioned artists, will perform a blend of Caribbean, Brazilian and African music on Saturday night at the Kent Land Trust stage across from the Kent Green House on Route 7 south.

Kent Summer Festival and Sidewalk Sale are organized by the Kent Chamber of Commerce. The center of Kent is located at the intersection of Routes 7 & 341; for more info, call 860-927-1463, or visit <www.kentct.com>.