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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Free, family fun festival will feature games, activities, food and fun

 Laredo, TX—The iconic, traditional diamond shape, flying carefree in the wind is evocative of a simpler, carefree childhood. It is also one of the most easy, entertaining and affordable ways for a family to have fun together. The bright colors and soaring heights create memories that can last a lifetime for a child. That’s why the Third Annual Spring Break Kite Festival is perfect for Laredo kids, and their families, to have a fun, and free, good time. This year will have an extra-special element to the event, as it will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17, 20211. District VI Council Member Charlie San Miguel, along with Keep Laredo Beautiful and the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Services Department will host the kite festival from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at North Central Park. Participants and spectators can find parking at the park’s entrance lot, located at 10202 International Boulevard. “In today’s economy, it’s time to go back to the time-honored, affordable family entertainment, where families enjoyed spending time with each other outdoors, interacting and creating special family traditions,” said Council Member San Miguel.

“This kite festival involves all these elements, and will be held in a beautiful, clean, community outdoor green space that we can all enjoy during Spring Break right here in Laredo, without having to travel anywhere, but just down the street,” he added. The kite festival is open to kids of all ages, including those who are kids at heart.

There is no registration or entrance fee to the festival. Just show up with a kite and start flying! Even if you don’t have a kite, come on out. A limited number of kites will be given out for free, along with healthy snacks while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of sponsors HEB, AEP and CenterPoint Energy (as of press time). Guerra Communication is the event’s official media sponsor. In fact, festival organizers have gone out of their way to ensure that the day is truly a family-friendly outing. Aside from the kite flying, there will be plenty of other games and activities, including face-painting, hay rides, games, wildflower seed planting, kite-making, a jumping castle, pony rides, thanks to the Asmussen Horses and Ponies, petting zoo, pet adoption and music so everyone can have a fun-filled afternoon. And everything is free! For those who are serious about kite-flying; however, take notice of the following kite contest information. Starting promptly at 4:00 p.m., kite judging will begin, and prizes will be given for the best homemade kite in the following age categories: 5-10; 11-13; 14-17; and over 18. This year there will be a special category: Show Your School Pride! Celebrity judges will make the determination of all entrants. All are welcome to enter. Of course, running around flying a kite does work up an appetite, so bring a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and refreshments (no alcohol will be allowed) and enjoy the lazy, picnic atmosphere. Snacks will also be sold; benefitting the Parks Youth Committee. Just don’t forget to throw your trash and recyclables in the many Willie and Billie Botes that will be out there. Several of the city’s local Explorer teams will be helping out with the activities and acting as the day’s litter patrol, reminding participants to keep the park, and the Laredo environment, clean. Other organizations who will have a presence at the event will be Border Patrol; Customs & Border Protection; Constable Rudy Rodriguez; Sheriff Martin Cuellar; Laredo Fire Department, the Laredo Police Department and the Laredo Animal Shelter. “I look forward to seeing kids from all over Laredo enjoying themselves in this wonderful activity of flying kites,” San Miguel concluded.