FIRST-EVER KITE FESTIVAL COMING TO ALLISTON

As the Alliston area continues to welcome more residents of diverse backgrounds, new opportunities are arising to experience their culture and traditions.

On Saturday, June 25, the South Asian Network of Simcoe (SANS) is organizing the inaugural Kite Festival at Warden's Park, next to the Adjala-Tosorontio administration centre.

Group spokesperson Kothari Abbas said kite festivals that take place in India are usually held Jan. 14, when the winds change direction. "It's very significant for the South Asian community," said Abbas. "It marks the day when the winds change in India, and the monsoon winds start coming over. It also marks of the end of winter and is more of a celebration of spring. So everyone in western India, they go fly kites. It's a whole big event from morning to night."

The festival will feature stunt kites, a market, vendors and food, and family activities. Admission is free, and so is parking.

Abbas said the group plans to make the festival an annual event. "Kites are universal, and everyone loves them," he added. SANS is also actively planning a Diwali celebration later this year, which will include a fireworks display.

The Kite Festival takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In the event of rain, the festival will be held Sunday, June 26.

The park is located at 7855 Sideroad 30.