First-ever Kite Fest takes to skies over Burnet on March 7
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
BURNET — With a nice breeze blowing behind you, every day makes for a perfect day to fly a kite. But if you’re looking for an excuse, the Burnet Kiwanis are giving you one March 7 when they host the first Kite Fest and 5K Relay at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.
“We were thinking of some ways to raise funds for our scholarship program and support the Boys & Girls Club (of the Highland Lakes), and this sounded like a great thing to do,” said Rick Espitia, a Burnet Kiwanis Club member.
The Kite Fest contests are free for individuals, but businesses can participate in the corporate category, which is part of the event sponsorship package that helps the club fund the event.
The day starts at 9 a.m. with the 5K relay at Haley Nelson Park, located on Garden Trails Road. Espitia explained that the two-person relay came about as a way to entice folks who aren’t typically runners to join in. Instead of one person completing the 5-kilometer distance on his or her own, the relay allows a two-person team to split it.
The relay is open to male, female, mixed and youth (17 and under) teams. The relay is $40 per team in advance or $50 the day of the event. On-site registration starts at 8 a.m.
The kites take to the air whenever people want to fly.
For those interested in competing in the open and youth divisions, they need to register with the Kiwanis members from 10-10:45 a.m. There’s no fee to register, and the judging begins at 11 a.m.
Espitia explained there are two categories within the open and youth divisions: homemade kites and store-bought kites. The youth division is for children in eighth grade or below.
“Then, around 11 a.m., we’ll judge to see whose kites are the highest,” he said.
One other category is the “most creative” kite. Judges will look for, well, the most creative kite.
“It’s all for fun, really,” Espitia said.
The event is to help support the Burnet Kiwanis’ scholarship fund with a portion also going to the Burnet unit of the Boys & Girls Club of the Highland Lakes.
“We just think it’s a great way for families to get outside, come out to the park and have fun,” Espitia said.
Email Espitia at respitia57@yahoo.com for more information, sponsorship inquiries or 5K relay questions and registration.
daniel@thepicayune.com