Families, community groups, and kids of all ages gathered at Green Hill Park in Salem to attend the 16th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival on April 19th. The Festival was another huge success thanks to sponsors, vendors and the community, with approximately 10,000 people coming out to enjoy the festivities.
The overcast day provided good winds for kite flying, and families enjoyed the show courtesy of Richmond Air Force Kite Club. Their beautiful kites – some handmade – of vibrant colors soared above with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the picturesque backdrop as they held expert demonstrations and shared their artistry from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Engvalls, who build and fly exhibition kites that require 6 – 10 anchor people per kite, returned and launched their magnificent characters into the sky.
Nearly 50 vendors attended, bringing delicious food, arts and crafts, and fun for the kids. Sponsors set up display areas and distributed free gifts, and many free kids activities added to the fun. Children also enjoyed 1,000 free Kite Fest t-shirts and Kroger kites that were distributed, and the Easter Bunny made his rounds delivering surprises. Families set out lawn chairs, pitched tents, had family picnics and marveled at the sky filled with kites of all shapes and sizes.
An estimated 50-75 community volunteers work with the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism on this special day in Green Hill Park. The Chamber would like to thank the sponsors, volunteers, and the community for another memorable event.
