They say reading takes the imagination to new heights, and at the annual St George Kite Festival, that is absolutely the case.
Presented by Dixie Power, the St George Kite Festival helps students soar — both figuratively as they expand their reading skills, and literally when they earn the prize of a new kite.
Recap of recent St George Kite Festival
Thousands of families from Washington County came together this year on a perfect spring day to enjoy the fun. Students had the option of cashing in their reading charts for a colorful kite, a new book, or tickets to spend at the St George Kite Festival carnival.
Although the wind only came in mild spurts, numerous children and their families had kites in the air above Dixie State University, where the St George Kite Festival took place.
After giving kite flying a try for a while, many participants opted to check out the variety of inflatable bounce house toys, slides and other carnival style games. For some it was the draw to the rock-climbing wall, others preferred a Gladiator style jousting match. Still others preferred the thrill of ascending the inflatable ladder and sliding down the inflatable slides.
Entertainment provides an additional draw to the St George Kite Festival. This year the entertainment stage featured a wide range of performing groups. Dancers, musicians, vocalists and more served as the background music, as well as a main focal point, for many attending the St George Kite Festival.
Background on St George Kite Festival
According to the Dixie Power Kite Festival web site, the mission behind the event is multi-faceted. First, to encourage a habit of reading. Second, the St George Kite Festival aims to promote “family-oriented physical activity.”
While the kite festival used to take place at the SunRiver Golf Course in St. George, it moved last year to Dixie State University, which adds another layer to the message being sent by the festival.
“We’re thrilled to move the festival to the middle of St. George and our partnership with Dixie State meshes extremely well with one of the festival’s main goals — to promote reading,” said Jarett Waite, festival director. “We hope that inviting families onto campus will inspire children to set goals for learning and higher education.”
The Kite Festival itself would not be possible without a host of volunteers and committee members. According to the Dixie Power Kite Festival web site, those responsible for making the event a success include but are not limited to: community volunteers, Dixie Power employees and directors, the festival planning committee, Dixie State University staff, students, EMS program and security and more.
How to participate in the St George Kite Festival
Students throughout Washington County are issued a reading chart. Depending on their grade in school they are required to read a certain number of minutes each week. The reading time begin Jan. 16 through and ends on the St George Kite Festival date — in this case, April 22, 2017. The required reading minutes ranges from 50, 75 or 100 weekly minutes, depending on the student’s age.
In addition to exchanging their reading chart for a high quality kite, a book, or $10 worth of tickets to use at the carnival, students attending the St George Kite Festival event were also eligible for a random drawing at their school. Prizes include a Kindle E-reader and Laser Mania passes. Plus, the class that turns in the most reading charts at the festival is awarded Pizza Factory coupons. Second place gets an ice cream party. The winners will be notified within 30 days of the festival.
Benefits of reading
Regardless of whether you participate in the St George Kite Festival or not, the value of reading as a child — and reading with your child as a parent — cannot be overstated.
Countless studies have revealed the positive effects of reading with children, including
- a richer vocabulary
- stronger writing skills
- bonding between parent and child
- self-esteem boost in children
- stronger communication skills
- better acclimation to new experiences
- aids in opening discussions about life transitions
- enhanced concentration and discipline
- increased imagination
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