Time to take to the skies
The annual Garden Route Kite Festival, a celebration of art, culture and the outdoors, is once again set to grace the picturesque countryside at Karatara.
This year’s event on Sunday, 8 October, is the seventh edition and features a diverse cast of guests including Team Binsbergen from Gqeberha, Mari Ware-lane from Cape Town, Jacques Fourie from Pretoria and Keith Mould from Sedgefield.
One notable aspect of the festival is its charitable mission. All proceeds from the festival go towards the Masithandane Bursary Fund. This fund plays a pivotal role in transforming young lives, providing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. It enables children from marginalised groups in Sedgefield to attend high schools in George and Knysna and covers crucial expenses such as transport, uniforms, shoes and stationery.
In terms of activities, this year’s festival is introducing an exciting addition – humanpowered race cars. For the very first time, teams of two or three people can participate in an exhilarating race. It is a chance for festivalgoers to showcase their physical prowess, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. There will also be a family fun run.
But the festival would not be complete without its beloved traditions. The mass ascension of kites will once again fill the skies with a kaleidoscope of colours and designs, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Whether you are an avid kite enthusiast or a casual observer, this display never fails to amaze. For those who love a challenge, the highest kite contest is a thrilling competition
to watch or join.
The festival’s hallmark food and craft stalls will be back in full force, offering an array of local cuisine and handcrafted goods. It is an opportunity to indulge in your favourite flavours and purchase one-of-a-kind crafts from local artisans.
For those in need of a peaceful retreat, the tea garden offers a serene escape. Here, you can unwind while taking in the breathtaking views, accompanied by a hot or cold drink and sweet or savoury treat - a perfect way to appreciate both the scenery and a warm beverage.
The Garden Route Kite Festival continues to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. From the thrilling kite displays by experts such as Team Binsbergen and Jacques Fourie to the heartwarming agility displays by Happy Dogs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The children can also enjoy fun in the sun with a variety of carnival games with prizes to be won – hulahooping, catching ducks or tossing balls at the clowns.