Joe McKeehan - Festival Director

My Friends,

Again the time draws near for our annual Kite Festival. I am excited and anxious to see all of the smiling faces of the children that will be redeeming kites and having fun at this year's Festival. Of course there is work to be done, both from the committee members and volunteers, to the children that diligently read every day, but it is definitely worth the efforts.

As our festival grows larger it necessitates changes. One of the changes we are making this year is to park all vehicles with the exception of the handicapped and vendors in the upper parking lot on Bluegrass Way and Pioneer Parkway. Not to worry, there will be plenty of busses to shuttle everyone to and from the event area. We will have a larger stage to host our entertainment and still have many vendors to choose from. We will cap off the day's festivities with a great free evening concert put on by The Lawn Darts followed by a fantastic fireworks show.

One of the most exciting changes this year is the incentive prize that we are giving away. Based on a random drawing of the ten classrooms that have the highest percentage of reading charts turned in at the festival, we will give the winner $1,000 to use for supplies that the teacher sees fit to benefit his or her class.

For those of you not familiar with the Kite Festival it is an event for all, however, the primary focus is a day of reward for the elementary school students of Washington County that have been reading since January. The secondary purpose is to raise money for our school district. As state funding is cut back it becomes more and more important for community events such as the Kite Festival to supplement school funding. And why not have fun doing it?

This will be our 12th and best year hosting the Kite Festival. I would encourage everyone to attend. If you have never been to this event I guarantee you it will be worth your time to come and see what is happening. We are the largest single-day event attended by local residents. Come and spend an hour or a day with us. You will not be disappointed.

I hope to see you all there. Until then take care.

Joe McKeehan, Director