Kent Station Celebrates the Holiday Season with Santa's Arrival, Madrigal Feast Performers

KENT, WA, November 25, 2010 (Press-News.org) Kent Station celebrates the 2010 holiday season with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday, November 27. The jolly couple will welcome shoppers and visitors at 10 a.m. at the Fountain Stage outside Kent Station's AMC Theatres.

Following their official welcome, Santa and Mrs. Claus will hold court at the Hip Santa House where children and well-behaved pets may have their photos taken, and adults can take Santa's patented "naughty or nice" test. Photos are offered at a discount in exchange for donations of nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for the Kent Food Bank. A complete list of Santa's hours and photo packages is available at the Kent Station website (http://www.kentstation.com/Event/Event.asp?Id=41WOF3L4).

Beginning at noon, Kentwood High School's Royal Court from the Madrigal Feast will sing Christmas tunes from their upcoming performance, adding to the festive atmosphere. In addition, the community is invited to participate in the Giving Tree on display at Kent Station Plaza. The Giving Tree benefits Kent Youth and Family Services, a nonprofit organization that serves kids, teens and families in South King County.

Sponsored by BECU and supported by Calvary Community Church of Sumner, the Giving Tree will feature tags with needs (e.g., coats, hats, shoes) and wants (e.g., books, toys) for 400 area kids, along with tags asking for board games for Kent Youth and Family Services' Head Start/ECEAP program. Shoppers may drop off their donated gifts through December 15 inside AMC Theatres near the arcade.

"The holidays are a time of celebration and giving, and Kent Station wants to be a part of that by giving back to the community," said Kent Station general manager John Hinds. "We encourage shoppers to join us by donating to the Kent Food Bank and Kent Youth and Family Services this holiday season. We can all help by making a sad time for some a little merrier."

For more information about Kent Station or its holiday festivities, visit the Kent Station website at http://www.kentstation.com or contact Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301. For more information about Kent Youth and Family Services, visit KYFS online at http://www.KYFS.org. Visit the Kent Food Bank online at http://www.skcfc.org/kentfoodbank/ for more information about its hours and offerings.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.