The weather always plays a major part in an event such as the kite festival and this year kite flyers had no shortage of suitable wind to keep their kites aloft.

The sun was out and although the wind had a slight chill factor it ensured a comfortable day for all in attendance.

The organisers had made a number of changes to this year’s event, and perhaps the most notable change was the repositioning of the entertainment tent where the dynamic duo that is Bearfax performed. Bearfax also did a remarkable job of announcing the competitions in between their songs and even made changes to lyrics on the fly to include kite flying anecdotes.

The number of visitors from out of town were certainly up on last years event with people coming in from the surrounding towns of Young, Cootamundra, Cowra and beyond with visitors from Queensland and even a couple from Malaysia who stopped by for the event.

Gate takings were also up on last years $500 with around $1800 coming in from the donations at the gate.

Unfortunately the wind was slightly on the strong side for the paragliders and paramotor enthusiasts who had assembled along the airstrip for the day. The conditions did not prove favourable for the flight from Mount Bobbara and luckily a few pilots got some airtime early in the day at the racecourse before the wind came up.

The paraglider and paramotor pilots however have vowed to return for next year’s event and there is even talk about perhaps using the airstrip during the year.

The markets were also well supported as were the other activities such as the train rides, balloon sculptures, face painting and sideshow alley attractions.

President of the Kite festival committee Robyn Carroll and the band of willing helpers including the Advancing Harden Murrumburrah members and the local Rotary Club who helped out on the gate and the barbecue are to be commended on their efforts in what was truly a great day on the local calendar.

The Kite Festival committee is on the look out for their next “poster child” for next years promotions so if you have a suitable photo, drop it into the Harden Express office or Harden Bearings and Hardware.