Cathy Sanderson, president of the Harden Kite Festival committee said she and the committee were both thrilled and exhausted after the event that attracted more than 3000 people to the Harden Racecourse on Saturday.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the new committee,” Mrs Sanderson said. “The way they all gave of their time,effort and enthusiasm was just brilliant”.

“There are just so many people we need to thank for making this day possible, and helping everything to run smoothly” Mrs Sanderson said. “The Picnic Race Club committee, the CWA and the Harden Murrumburrah Show Society all pitched in and helped us out.”

“The dignitaries who attended and opened the festival – Katrina Hodgkinson, Michael McCormack and Wendy Tuckerman, thank you so much for being here and joining in on the fun.” Mrs Sanderson said. “And the Hilltops Council were phenomenal – anything we needed was no trouble”.

“Mike Richards, from ‘Kite Magic’ in Coogee has supported the festival since it started 11 years ago” Mrs Sanderson said.” He runs workshops at the local schools, leading up to the day, so every kid can make and fly a kite. He also teaches the kids about the history of kites. Without him, the ducks certainly would not have flown and in fact, there would be no kite festival.”

There were prizes awarded throughout the day, but the main event was the Sibelco Champion Kite, which was awarded to Samantha Scott and the Bendigo Bank ‘Lucky Gate Prize’ was won by P. Bloor.

“The market stalls were a huge success.” Mrs Sanderson said. “And they would not have happened without all the hard work put in by Wendy Medway, one of our committee members.”

“We also can’t forget the Harden Men’s Shed, who made all of our ducks for the challenge and the Twin Towns Rodeo Committee who looked after the gate”. Mrs Sanderson said. “So many wonderful people.”