Tomorrow, Oct. 6th, is the second annual International Festival, presented by Main Street Kent and HOME International Markets. Here are some of the things you'll enjoy at the Hometown Bank Plaza, from 12 noon to 7pm. The Hometown Bank is sponsoring the Doppel Adler German Band, who will perform from 4-7pm. The Kent Jaycees will sell German beer during the performance, and brats too!
- Tandoori burritos - by Taco Tonto's
- Pierogi - by The Pierogi Lady
- Salsa dance
- Martial arts
- Chinese dragon dance
- African drums
- Native American dance
- Origami art
- Flamenco dance
- Sky lantern release (at sunset, approximately 7:00pm)
Booths will also be set up in the plaza (not in the street as previously planned) by various organizations, such as the student exchange program, Kent Rotary, Dr. GreenBee (featuring bamboo), a photo booth and more. Stop down and enjoy the festivities! Explore the downtown businesses too, and see what international offerings they have for you. Enjoy Kent!
These novelty items are often used in celebrations, such as weddings. They are usually made of a paper-covered wire or bamboo frame and an open flame heat source. Heat lifts the lantern into the air where it can float for miles from the point of release. Once finished, a lantern will fall back down to earth, endangering the lives of animals on the ground and in water. Chinese lanterns can cause injury, suffering, and even death, through: •ingestion, •entanglement, •entrapment. Livestock (e.g. cattle) can eat or become caught in lantern debris in grazing vegetation, or eat lantern parts that have been accidentally chopped into animal feed during harvest. If an animal eats sharp lantern parts, these can tear and puncture the throat, stomach or internal organs causing internal bleeding or, in worst cases, death. An animal that has become trapped or entangled in a fallen lantern can suffer from injury, stress and panic as itl struggles to free itself. A wild animal that cannot free itself may eventually die from starvation. There is the added risk of fire caused by lanterns that fall to the ground whilst still alight - this can destroy habitats and set fire to animal housing, feed and bedding.