Prairie Grove, AR-2020

Community Happenings Cane Hill Kite Festival 2020

In the Kite Hospital our skilled specialists, all PHDs (pretty high-flying device experts) will assemble and repair your kite, whether you bought it on site or not. There is also a “Make an Offer” box of kites that have been recovered, repaired, or previously loved and donated. The popular 50 cent raffle (so named because each person may only buy one 50 cent ticket) awards a large nylon kite at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00. There will be a 12:30 early bird drawing. Small cash prizes are awarded throughout the day for totally tongue-in-cheek categories.

After having to cancel in 2019 due to weather issues, the Cane Hill Kite Festival came roaring back with a record crowd of 969 happy folks. The weather could not have been more perfect. Attendees enjoyed an enlarged hospitality tent and a huge selection of kites to choose from. Extra volunteers were on hand to help with parking and all the other amenities that make it an enjoyable day for everyone. Little did we know it would be the last large gathering in the area before our lives would never be “normal” again. As of print time, we are hoping for a Kite Fest 2021, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the Cane Hill Kite Festival and are trying to create some special way to celebrate the milestone. An even larger selection of kites has been ordered, priced at $1-$16. Thanks to our generous sponsors and donations, the event has con- tinued to remain a truly wallet-friendly venue for families. It’s free to park (there is a handicap preferred parking area closer to the hospitality tent), $1 for kids and $2 for adults to fly and free to watch. Military (active or retired) and their families fly for free. In addition to kites, you can also buy extra string, rewinders and bubbles.

Yummy grub is provided as a fund-raising effort by the Friends of Prairie Grove Pound. Their food has drawn rave reviews (5 kites) and goes fast, so plan on earing early. Guests are also welcome to bring picnic lunches. The fun starts at noon and goes until the last kite comes down, usually about 5:00. The Cane Hill Kite Festival is held on the spacious pastures of Springfield Ranch in Downtown Cane Hill. The driveway is across from the Cane Hill Post Office, but you can’t miss all the flags. Kite Fest 2021 will be March 6. In case of rain, snow or other detrimental Arkansas weather, the fall back date is March 13. For more information call 479-824-8109 (there will be an event day recording here in case of iffy weather), email canehillkitefest@aol.com , or like us on Facebook where you will find updates and numerous photos.

• hometown magazine •

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