Flocks of people in puffy coats decorated with red cheeks from the wintry air bustled through Main Street Kent on Saturday. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, attendees came out to support their local community and indulge in festivities at Main Street Kent’s Snow Day event.
From noon to 6 p.m., the event transformed downtown into a festive hub of activity and connection. It offered an assortment of activities and entertainment while also providing a space for the community to come together.
At Dan Smith Park, attendees could watch an ice carving demonstration and see the exhibit of ice carvings by Elegant Ice Creations. Free craft activities for families and children were offered, provided by Kent Parks & Rec and Portage Parks and Townhall II. Kent State Greek Life, Undergraduate Student Government and Flash Activity Board hosted turkey bowling, where participants bowled with a frozen turkey.
Local businesses participated in the event, offering specials like hot cocoa flights at Bent Tree Coffee, a free crystal with a purchase at Hippie Fox Rocks and a specialty drink menu tailored to the Snow Day event at Last Exit Books.
Not only did local residents partake in the Snow Day event, but Kent State students made the trek downtown to enjoy the festivities as well. Kent State freshman psychology major Bhumika Bhandari said this event was a good way to spruce up a boring month like January.
“I think it’s a really good way for everyone to come out and just enjoy festivities during the winter,” Bhandari said. “Usually, we don’t have that much, it’s just Christmas, and then after that there’s nothing.”
At Hometown Bank Plaza, a sizable crowd huddled next to fire pits as live music filled the surrounding streets, featuring performances by Babies in Black, Grandpa Winnie and Vinyl Arcade throughout the day. The music was the event’s most populated activity.
“The concert was cool,” Bhandari said. “I think it’s a good way for people, families, to come together.”
From bored students to families looking for something fun to do, Snow Day offered something for everyone. A tent in the Hometown Bank Plaza offered attendees a scavenger hunt card to begin sleuthing around downtown as well as hot chocolate and s’mores to make at the fire pits.
There was also an opportunity to give back, as The Neighborhood Bridges program accepted donations at Townhall II. Community members were asked to donate hats, gloves and scarves to ensure people of the Kent community have the necessary gear to stay warm in the cold.
The event’s variety of activities brought people of all ages together, creating a welcoming and bright atmosphere for all. Kent State freshman film major Onyx Wacker said the highlight of the event was seeing the community enjoying time together.
“Just seeing people of all ages coming together, like it wasn’t just Kent State students, it was also parents with their kids, that is just creating that sense of bonding in the community,” Wacker said.
Felicity Scott is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].