Kites were invented in ancient China 2,600 years ago, but you don’t have to go that far out of your way to see them fly! Spring Break will wind up here on Saturday, March 28, with one of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s most popular events of the year, its 25th annual Kite Festival celebration.
“Art With an Altitude,” sponsored by KaleidoKites of Eureka Springs, is a free family event. Attendees can either bring their own kites or buy one at the refuge. The celebration includes vendors, contests and fun activities for parents and children.
KaleidoKites’ experts will be on hand to assist children in kite making and flying techniques. Donations to the refuge are requested in exchange for kite-making assistance.
“Our kite festival has always been a very popular event here,” says TCWR President and co-founder Tanya Smith. “We always hope people will come out for the kites and see the work we do here with endangered big cats and other animals. It’s a great opportunity for fun and education at the same time.”
“Making and flying kites is a ‘green’ sport’ families can share,” says Steve Rogers, KaleidoKites co-owner. “It’s wind-fuelled and gets kids out in the fresh air and sunshine away from sedentary activities like TV viewing and video games.”
Rogers adds the event is a great photo op. “There will be world-class kites worth over a thousand dollars flown during the event,” he says. “These kites are works of art, which is only fitting for an artist’s community like Eureka Springs.”
For vendor information for this and other TCWR events contact victor@www.turpentinecreek.org.