Greenup's Kite Day wild and windy

Lee Ward, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.
·2 min read

Apr. 22—SOUTH SHORE — Clear, blue skies provided the perfect backdrop for the third annual Kite Day on Saturday at McKell Elementary School's football field.

At least a dozen children and adults flew their kites or let their windmill spin freely in the breeze.

Brianna Bentz of South Shore brought her children, one of whom, Oliver, was playing trombone in the McKell Middle School band. She said the family came to support him and to learn.

"It's a chance for the kids to learn how to fly a kite," she said, adding this event was one of the first in which they've participated since moving to the area last summer.

Her son, Erhardt, 16, a student at Greenup County High School, said it was the first time he flew a kite.

"It's pretty fun and surprisingly easy to do," he said. "I think the key is not to stress out about it. Just calm down and focus and let the wind take it."

The free event, sponsored by Greenup County Tourism, included hot air balloon rides, which were cut short because of the wind, as well as Kona Ice, cotton candy, face painting, crafts, balloon art, tie-dye shirt activity, with children receiving swag bags and a kite. First-responders from Greenup County Ambulance Authority and fire departments gave visitors an up-close view of vehicles, and Primary Plus and Greenup County Health Department were present with information.

About 250 attended the nearly daylong event, Anne Stephens, chairwoman of the board of Greenup County Tourism, said.

"The goal of the event is to give back to our community and have a fun, free, family day in South Shore," Stephens said. "So many things go on in the county and it's large geographically and we want to focus on the north end of the county."

Jaime Bloss, Greenup County's tourism director, said sponsoring Kite Day is a thrill.

"It gives families a chance to come outdoors and fly the kite and enjoy being in Greenup County," Bloss said of the old-fashion-style activity. "It brings people together. Kids can fly the kites and enjoy the different things we have for them. It's about togetherness."

(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com