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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

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

Laredo, TX—The traditional diamond shape, flying carefree in the wind reminds us of a simpler, carefree childhood. It is also one of the easiest, affordable ways for a family to have fun.  The bright colors and soaring heights create memories that last a lifetime for a child.  That’s why the Seventh Annual Spring Break Kite Festival is perfect for Laredo kids, and their families, to have a fun, and free, good time.

This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, from 12-7 PM at North Central Park, located at 10202 International Boulevard.

Participants and spectators can find parking at Wal-Mart at Loop 20 and International and enjoy the free El Metro Park & Ride option to the Kite Festival.  

“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.  While most activities are absolutely free, a few may charge a nominal fee to particapte  Just show up with a kite, store-bought or homemade, and start flying!

For those who are serious about their homemade kite, however, take notice of the following kite contest information.  A Homemade Kite Contest will take place at 4 PM and will feature such interesting categories as longest/prettiest tail, most school spirit, best engineered, best use of recycled material, smallest, biggest, most unique and various age categories, with prizes from sponsors.  Celebrity judges from sponsors and participants will make the determination of all entrants.  All are welcome to enter.

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 generous sponsor HEB. Of course, UnitedHealthcare, Imagine My Smile Dental Care, and Doctors Hospital will also be promoting a healthy living message by distributing information and offering BMI tests.  Kids can also enjoy Safety Town, thanks to AEP Texas, a model community that teaches power safety line; sponsor AT&T will echo that same message, as well as the all important No Texting and Driving message.

“Our mission is to help people live healthier lives by ensuring access to high quality health care services. United Healthcare is a proud supporter of the 7th Annual Spring Break Kite Festival,” said Jorge Arredondo, Community Outreach Coordinator for the UnitedHealthcare.

A community favorite, the petting zoo and pony rides, will be one of the main attractions featured, thanks to sponsors the City of Laredo Environmental Services Department and  State Farm Agent Manuel Gomez, III.   However, if you or your little ones are looking for a little more exhilaration, then the carnival rides and jumping castles sponsored by the Laredo Firefighters Union #872 and the Laredo Police Officers Association will do just nicely.

“Fresh air and outdoor activity is a great way to encourage a healthy lifestyle and reduce stress. We are excited to participate in the City of Laredo’s 7^th Annual Spring Break Kite Festival and look forward in promoting the health and safety activities the event highlights.  Enjoying the outdoors is also a cost-effective way to not only exercise, but to come together as a family,” said Arturo Serna, on-air DJ and senior program director for HOT 106.1 FM, a part of R Communications, official radio sponsor for the event.  Meanwhile KLDO-Univision and Fox-39 will be broadcasting live from the event and pictures and video from the day can be found at www.lrdsportswire.com.  

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 hay rides and games, courtesy of the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Services Department. Keep Laredo Beautiful and the Rio Grande International Study Center will be partnering to educate the community on the upcoming plastic bag ban ordinance, while giving everyone a chance to win a free reusable bag. PILLAR will be out there distributing anti-bullying information, as well as suicide prevention tips and promoting their services for those who may find themselves needing someone to talk about such topics. 

Great music with the classic styling of everyone’s favorite DJ, Rule Garcia, so everyone can have a fun-filled afternoon, will fill the park’s air.  Finally, if that isn’t enough, be sure to see the awesome vehicle display by Sames, Texas Oldest Dealership.

Thanks to Council Member San Miguel, the Laredo Police Department Community Relations Unit, the Laredo Firefighters Association and LPOA, a limited amount of bubbles, cotton candy and popcorn will be given away throughout the day.

And again, absolutely everything – EVERYTHING – is free!

Running around flying a kite does work up an appetite, so feel free to bring a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and refreshments (no alcohol or bar-be-que pits are allowed), along with blankets, tents and chairs and sit back to enjoy the lazy, picnic atmosphere. 

“I look forward to seeing kids from all over Laredo enjoying themselves in this wonderful activity of flying kites,” San Miguel concluded.