Adam and I set off on an adventurous journey to Can Hill, Arkansas, for their
annual kite festival, a cherished event that has been taking place for an
impressive 24 years. The festival is organized by a prominent local figure and
hosted on their sprawling ranch, just a stone's throw from the quaint downtown
of Cane Hill. As we drove over an enchanting little creek, a slight sense of
anticipation bubbled within me, even though the overcast sky hung low and the
recent windstorms had left a trail of fallen trees and a damaged chicken run in
their wake. Our energy was low, but I was determined to make the most of the
day. Navigating the gravel road that wound between large boulders and downed
trees was a bit nerve-wracking; I couldn’t shake the worry that we might get
stuck, causing a traffic jam for the line of cars inching behind us. Thankfully,
as we crested the last hill, we were greeted by an astonishing sight: sweeping,
lush fields brimming with cheerful faces, and above us, kites of all shapes and
colors danced like ethereal creatures against the gray sky.
The entry fee was a mere $2 per person, and we were delighted to find an
collection of kites for sale at surprisingly reasonable prices. After paying for
our tickets, Adam and I eagerly entered the raffle for "The Big One." An extra
large nylon kite. Our afternoon of childlike wonder was just beginning. It had
been well over a decade since Adam and I last flew kites, and a wave of
nostalgia washed over us as we recalled how our parents had shared that same
tradition of gifting kites during Easter. I could vividly picture myself in a
frilly yellow Easter dress, while Adam sported a tiny bow tie, his chubby cheeks
endearingly rosy from the chilly air and the lingering breeze of the previous
night's gusts.
I selected a bright red panda kite, symbolizing gentleness, wisdom, and
patience—traits I would need to embody while juggling the challenges of flying a
kite in a field that lacked solid winds, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and
managing my asthma and fibromyalgia.
Adam, ever the optimist, picked out two kites, encouraged by a friendly kite
enthusiast who told us that lightweight kites had a better chance of taking off
that day. Yet, true to his passion, he was adamant about trying out his dream
kite.
Despite the less-than-ideal winds, the subdued skies, and the fatigue tugging at
our bodies, our day was filled with unforgettable moments, laughter, and dreams
for the future. If you ever find yourself at the Cane Hill Kite Festival, I have
a few recommendations to enhance your experience:
1. **Bring a partner in silliness.**
Flying kites might seem childish to many, and yes, that's exactly
the point. Embracing the joy and wonder of childhood is a beautiful gift we can
give ourselves.
2. **Pack a picnic.**
Our visit happened to fall on a backup day
due to inclement weather the weekend prior. While there was some food available
in the hospitality tent, we both agreed that a packed lunch would have upgraded
our experience.
3. **Bring a blanket, chairs, or both.**
There’s going to be plenty of running involved as you try to boost your kite into the perfect air
stream, but you’ll also want a comfortable spot to relax and soak in the sights
of the magnificent kites soaring above you.
4. **Make friends.** We encountered a few devoted kite enthusiasts who could launch their kites into the sky with
hardly a breath of wind, and they were more than willing to share tips and
tricks.
5. **Most importantly, have fun.**
This delightful experience is sure to become a tradition for Adam and me, as the festival takes place each March,
right before my birthday, pairing perfectly with our annual trip to the Arkansas
Apple Festival for Adam's birthday.
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