Breezy Hillier Park Day brings great kite flying fun

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
With a generous breeze in the air, those attempting to fly a kite didn’t have any problem getting the flimsy devices off the ground at Saturday’s Hillier Park Day. While strong gusts made it almost too windy for flying, many had lots of fun watching the kites easily take off and soar high into the sky.

Some kites soared too close to each other and crashed, a few got tangled in a nearby tree, but for all who tried throughout the afternoon, adults and kids alike, it brought delight and joy to the occasion as kites could be seen in the air most of the afternoon, flying high and driven fast by the power of a good breeze.

For this year’s park day, the sun shone, there wasn’t a cloud or a raindrop to be seen, making this annual community rain-or-shine event held at Jack Taylor Bicentennial Park on Station Road a fun family event.

Put together by the Hillier Recreation Committee, the afternoon’s events included a dunk tank for those brave enough to get soaked (or who were up for a dare), a mega bouncy castle for the little ones to conquer, races where everyone was declared a winner and got a prize, as well as various games for the children.

Described as a “fun day of fun for everyone”, the free family event included a free lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, ice cream and cotton candy and drinks. While the events in the park began at noon, the day started earlier in the morning with a free of charge pancake breakfast.

Local firefighters and OPP auxiliary members were on hand too where equipment and vehicles could be explored. Folks were welcome to sit in the back and front of the vehicles, where sirens blasted occasionally, usually when least expected.

The fun in the park included live music in the gazebo as local band Telegraph Narrows, with vocalist and entertainer Renay Weissman-Stanners, belted out some familiar tunes.

There was also face painting offered to the delight of the children. And for the older folks, line dancing was the order of the day.

Four-year-old Addie Dunlop from Hillier enjoyed Hillier Park Day where she played on the big bouncy castle and got her face painted.

Addie’s sister, Cora Dunlop, age 8, decided on a dragon theme for her painted face.

A balloon artist entertained and was happy to make balloons do things balloons shouldn’t do by twisting and tying the colourful creations almost as if with a touch of magic, much to the delight of his young audience who got to take home the unusual balloon shaped requests.