Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival 2017: Dates, Times

KENSINGTON, MD — The 50th annual Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival will be held on Monday, Sept. 4, rain or shine, the city website says. This year's theme is "Inspiring Stories," and it will celebrate fictional and real-life stories that inspire the community.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. by traveling down Connecticut Avenue from St. Paul Park toward Town Hall. Look for local marching bands from area schools, equestrian show groups, dance groups, floats and ambassadors from local churches, schools, non-profits, and businesses; and local, state, and federally elected officials.

New this year for the 50th anniversary of the event is a commemorative coin. Mayor Tracey Furman and council members will hand out 2,500 coins along the parade route, reports Bethesda Magazine. Former Mayor Jayne Plank will be the parade's grand marshal.

As the parade moves toward Town Hall, the Armory will come alive with the aroma of your favorite and newly discovered foods, along with diverse vendors, games and activities for children of all ages. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Also planned for Labor Day weekend is the Paint the Town Art Show, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, and Sunday, Sept. 3, as well as from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4. A reception for artists is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 2.

The art show will be held at Kensington Town Hall/Armory, 3710 Mitchell St., and is free to the public. Find more information online at www.MontgomeryArt.org.

Patch file photo