The sky was full of many unique kites ranging in all different sizes and colors on May 18th at the Spring Out to Sunset Festival. From activities like plays by the Chicago Street Theater, musical performances by Chris and Lou, ATA Martial Arts demonstrations, Famous Flying Frisbee Dog competitions, petting zoos, nature hikes, wagon rides and self-guided story book trails; the 13th Annual Spring Out to Sunset festival at Sunset Hill Farms, was full of family fun.
Spring Out to Sunset was put on by Porter County Parks and Recreation Department and it is a festival in honor of Colonel Murray, the original owner of Sunset Hill Farms, who's favorite past time was flying kites. During the festival families are encouraged to bring kites and fly them over the many beautiful acres that Sunset hills Farms has to offer.
Besides kite flying, the Frisbee dog competition was a huge hit for its spectators as well. Children also had the opportunity to try out different instruments at the Front Porch Music booth, Have their face painted and learn how to fish from a series of fun games. Next year, Geri Rose, lead organizer of the event, would like to try to involve the community more by getting the schools involved. Rose says she would like to have classes volunteer to build their own kite and submit it into a kite flying competition; all participates in the activity will also have their kites on display. She tells us her favorite part in being involved with this event was the families and their pets.
"I love seeing everyone with their dogs, we highly encourage people to bring their dogs because this is a family event and people should be able to bring their dogs out as well,” Rose said. “I also love being able to see kids get outside and away from the television screens at home and fly a kite.”
With such a wide variety of vendors and activities, Spring Out to Sunset had something for everyone. Rose would also like to thank the sponsors that made this event possible.
Sponsors included: Chicago Street Theater, Indiana 105.5, Extra Mile Fitness Company, Front Porch Music, Porter County Parks and Recreation Department, Family Express, Anton Insurance, Valparaiso ATA Black Belt academy, Indiana Dunes, Duneland Photography Club, Ideas in Motion Media, Porter Regional Hospital, Culvers, and Lemon Tree.
Click here to see more photos from the event!