Santa Scheduled to Arrive at Kent Station in Grand Style on November 28

Online, November 20, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Accompanied by the Rainier Brass Ensemble, Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive at Kent Station Plaza at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 28 in grand style. Children, families and shoppers are invited to join Kent Station in welcoming the jolly couple who will officially kick off the holiday season.

After the welcoming ceremony and festive holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus will hold court at Kent Station's Hip Santa House to hear holiday wishes and to determine who will pass Santa's patented "naughty or nice" test. The happy holiday couple will be available from November 28 through December (see website for specific hours). All ages are welcome, even if you've been naughtier than nice. Santa will also make a special appearance in the holiday parade during Winterfest 2009: A Holly Jolly Day in Kent, scheduled for Saturday, December 5.

In addition, Kent Station shoppers, guests and well-behaved pets can have their pictures taken with Santa. With photo packages priced between $10 and $40, prints and digital photos are affordable and make great gifts. For an additional discount, visitors may donate a nonperishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy for the Kent Food Bank. Proceeds from the photo packages will also be donated to the Kent Food Bank.

"We encourage shoppers and families to come out to enjoy a little holiday spirit, Kent Station-style," general manager John Hinds said. "Our Santa house is an affordable way to spend time with friends and family while benefiting our community."

Last year, Kent Station and its shoppers donated over 500 pounds of food, 300 toys and $1,500 to Kent Food Bank families. Santa welcomes visits to his "hip house," and Kent Station welcomes toy and food donations for the Kent Food Bank. This year's event is proudly sponsored by BECU, MultiCare Kent Clinic and Fox Electric Co.

For more information including Santa's hours and photo packages, prices and pick-up information, visit the Kent Station website at http://www.kentstation.com.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development 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. Shop local this Christmas, shop Kent Station.