The annual Harden Kite Festival is as close as ever, the community cannot wait to see the colours fly around Harden Racecourse this Saturday. At the time of writing on Wednesday at 10:25am, the winds were gusty and around 33 kilometres an hour, coming from the north. Kite festival goers won’t need that much wind on Saturday and would be more than happy with about 15 kilometres an hour.
Lucy Targett, President of the Harden Kite Festival Committee spoke to The Times about how excited the committee and the community are to see this year’s Kite Festival go ahead.
“We’ve got all stallholders confirmed who are going to be out there on the day and have a good selection of food this year, which is exciting,” Targett said.
“The community barbecue is definitely going to be there by Murrumburrah Public School and then we’ve got fish and chips, kebabs, chips on a stick, Asian dumplings, gravy rolls, hot dogs, cakes, coffee and tea.
“Some of the doughnut stalls who go to the Young Markets will also be coming, so we’re very excited about our food options this year.”
The Harden Kite Festival Committee held their Kite Display Competition to help decorate the town in all thing’s kites, craft, and kids, with the two winners receiving an all-day rides pass and a kite at the upcoming festival. The winners for the competition were: Bunyip in first place, Bendigo Bank in second, Athair in third, who will enjoy their goodies this weekend.
“All the community groups have come out to help us on the day. We already have ‘Dance with Miss Em’, the new Harden AECG aboriginal arts group intown who are going to sell the ride tickets.
“We’ve also got the VIEW Club, who are going to sell kites at a kite stall. Harden Rotary will also be there on the day.
“We’re just so grateful for the amount of community support we’ve already had with those involved. With plenty of entertainment on offer spectators will be amazed by what they see and hear.
“We’re proud to showcase what our community offers back to our town, and we want to showcase that to people that are travelling from outside of town and have people to come and see our little town and what we get up to.”
After an already perfect warm start to Spring, Targett is hoping the fantastic weather continues to draw a big crowd ,especially since the unkind weather last year. Current forecasts show a 1 per cent chance of rain and a 20 degree day which is keeping everyone optimistic for 2023’s festival.
“We would love to have this same weather continue. Last year’s weather was disappointing, but I think most people have their fingers crossed for us,” Targett said.
“It should be a good day ahead. We’ve got awesome Lego exhibitions and competitions on the day. We’ve also got the Car Club display, which is the first time it will be at the Kite Festival.”
