Kites to light up Halifax sky this weekend

The East Coast Kite Festival will brighten up Citadel Hill this weekend.

The sixth iteration – put on by Atlantic Kite Festivals – is meant to bring joy and light to those in the city.

“The Kite Festival is meant to encourage the community to fly as high as they can. In practicality, when you're flying a kite, you'll need to maneouvre around the wind and rain to keep it up,” said organizer Dolly Mirpuri.

“The Citadel can be difficult, as buildings can cut off the wind. It's a challenge but it's a lot of fun. We also like to apply these mottos to life, and show people you can still smile and push through difficulties and soar too.”

The association also goes to Miramichi, N.B. And are going to Springhill, N.S. For a family fun day.

“Our organization loves to travel and spread joy, and this will be a great picnic outing here in Halifax for those who attend,” she said.

“You can bring food and your own kites, or purchase one here. The kite displays will happen and there are food trucks on-hand. You really get to pick your own experience.”

While many events were shut down the last few years due to COVID-19, the Kite Festival has managed to continue.

“Because the events were outdoors, we were able to have the festival. The numbers were down, but it was so nice to see people enjoy themselves,” she said.

“We also felt it important to show people that life has challenges, but you can keep getting through it all and still soar high.”

The event was initially set to go in mid-July but unfortunately had to be postponed. They are excited about August 20-21, though.

“There was a scheduling conflict at Citadel Hill, and we found out a few weeks before the event. We had to move to August, and it's unfortunate it coincides with the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition,” she said.

“We'd normally go there as an organization, but can't make it this year now. We are trying to find a long-term date with Citadel for next year and beyond.”

Mirpuri says one of the biggest ways the festival has changed over the years is the interest from those in the area.

“People have been reaching out, especially those who used to be kite fliers. They want to join and want to be involved,” she said.

“There's a bouncy castle this year too and plenty of activities. We're focusing on sea creatures this year as a theme, sort of a Canada's Ocean Playground thing. We will have kites based on turtles, whales, fish, dolphins and other fun stuff.”

Mirpuri also works as a CCA, and her experiences led to a pretty memorable moment at a past festival.

“I saw a grandparent flying a kite with their grandchild. It made me feel like a kid all over again. To see that seniors' smile as they were trying to keep up with a young child was amazing.” she said.

“That's what this event is about. We can show people what it's like to be resilient, and want them to know they can fly high, even if they don't succeed the first time.”

With Nathan Mackinnon's visit to Halifax for the Stanley Cup parade, she expects more traffic than originally anticipated.

“There is a lot to do in Halifax this weekend, and we're really excited. I'm impressed by the way the weather looks so far, and I hope it all works out,” she said.

“We have volunteers on a rotational schedule, and we definitely have the manpower. We just need wind. We truly want some great sights in the sky at all times.”

There is no entry fee, and it goes Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21, 2022, from 10 a.m. To 7 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/atlantickitefest.