Kent Heritage Fest, a large local festival, drew nearly 20,000 people to Downtown Kent this weekend.

“It’s a collection of all the diversity that the community offers,” said Heritage Fest President Jeff Meyers said.

The festival took over four major streets in downtown, including East Main Street, North Water Street and Franklin Avenue. Rows of crafters, vendors and local businesses filled the streets from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. while live bands rotated through the three stages scattered throughout downtown.

The musicians weren’t the only entertainment in attendance. A balloon artist, magician, face painters and henna artists were woven into the festival, drawing in long lines of families.

The festival ended with a thirty minute firework display with most attendees crowding around the bridge and railroad tracks to watch the display.

Jordan Euell, a senior digital media production major, said he was having “so much fun.”

“I can’t get the smile off my face,” Euell said as he waited in line to get a frozen treat from Stoddard’s, one of the multiple food vendors lining North Water Street.

Kaylee Peterson is a downtown reporter, contact her a [email protected].