Chesterfield's Free Kite Day Returns to River City Sportsplex This Sunday
The long-running family event offers free admission, giveaway kites for the first 500 children 12 and under, and a lineup of games, food and train rides.
By Rahul Mehta ·
Chesterfield County's annual Kite Day is set for Sunday at the River City Sportsplex, giving families a chance to spend an afternoon watching and flying kites at no cost for entry.
Vicki Kiger, special events coordinator for Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation, said the day is meant for households of all kinds. "I would invite anybody who's got kids, I don't care if they're young or old, they want to have a nice family day, come out here and enjoy it," she said.
Among those looking forward to the event's return is Moses Allen, a 9-year-old kite enthusiast. He said the appeal lies in the unpredictability of the hobby. "I like how fun it is because you don't know how high it's going to go, what different types of kite you might have," Moses said. "And I just like seeing them up in the air."
Kiger called the event a "really amazing" experience and said it draws a broad crowd. Mothers, fathers, children and grandparents attend, and some families picnic or camp out to fly kites throughout the day. Adults without children also show up to take part, she said.
The event began more than two decades ago and has since grown to include a variety of entertainment. Organizers plan to offer bounce houses and cornhole, along with food vendors and a DJ. The RVA Express train will also run, allowing children to ride around the complex.
Activities will be held on fields 10 through 12. A limited supply of kites will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. "We're giving kites to the first 500 kids 12 and under who want one, but you're free to bring your own," Kiger said. Attendees can watch kites of many sizes and styles in the air and see how well each performs.
Admission is free, and visitors need only pay for food and drinks. Officials noted that pets are not allowed on the fields.
Families looking to start the weekend early have another free option in Chesterfield. The county's first Outdoor Fest takes place Saturday at the Fairgrounds, with gates opening at 10 a.m. The family-friendly festival celebrates outdoor recreation and features a one-mile kids' race, an Earth Day 5K, food trucks, a farmer's market and a kids' zone. BMX shows are also planned, along with an appearance by penguins from Metro Richmond Zoo.
More information about Kite Day is available by calling 804-748-1623.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: CBS 6 WTVR
