Kites Over the Hudson Once Again Soars to Success on Washington Headquarter’s Grounds

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Ximena Castillo tried flying a kite several times in her life; Saturday she was finally successful, and could not stop smiling.

“I think the trick is to catch the wind at the right moment,” said the Newburgh Free Academy junior. “It’s a lot of fun flying a kite; I’m getting really good exercise running around here so much.”

Castillo was one of many youth who enjoyed themselves in the great outdoors on the gorgeous, scenic Washington Headquarter’s grounds, overlooking the majestic Hudson River Saturday afternoon at the historic site’s Annual Kites Over the Hudson. A Hudson River Ramble event, “Kites” was completely free of charge to the public. The first 150 children, under the age of 15, were provided with free kites courtesy of Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands. Additionally, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation provided free admission to the Museum & Historic House tours. Assorted ice cream treats were also donated. The perfect fall weather made for an ideal outdoor family gathering.

Orange County Legislator, Kevindaryan Lujan  was on hand at Washington's Headquarters Saturday at the well-attended Kites Over the Hudson annual event. To his left is Melanie Collins, owner of City of Newburgh's Blacc Vanilla and on his lright, Morgan Fracasse of the City of Newburgh's boutique Cream. Lujan was pleased to see so many people outdoors enjoying all that the historic site has to offer as well as the unlimited potential both it and the City of Newburgh possess.
Orange County Legislator, Kevindaryan Lujan was on hand at Washington’s Headquarters Saturday at the well-attended Kites Over the Hudson annual event. To his left is Melanie Collins, owner of City of Newburgh’s Blacc Vanilla and on his lright, Morgan Fracasse of the City of Newburgh’s boutique Cream. Lujan was pleased to see so many people outdoors enjoying all that the historic site has to offer as well as the unlimited potential both it and the City of Newburgh possess.

“This is a family friendly afternoon event with a chance to learn some history on the side; hopefully people will learn more about the site here as well as Newburgh’s history,” explained Elise B. Goldberg, Washington Headquarters Historic Site Manager. “I’m thrilled the weather is so perfect, and everyone who came here is having such a great time, just wonderful for the entire community.”

Evidence of that joy could be spotted all over the Headquarters’ grounds. Children could be seen laughing and smiling as they raced across the lawn, diligently working to catch that perfect gust of wind to keep their colorful kites afloat. No matter what the color or the size, each of the kites added something special to the vivid blue sky backdrop, enveloping both the Hudson River and its surrounding, lofty mountains.

“It’s so much fun to see all the colors of the kites out there,” said 11 year old Lauren Largacha of the City of Newburgh. “I haven’t flown a kite in a long time, and am so excited to see it go up really high.”

Parents too were appreciative of this unique kind of offering, especially on a busy, first day of fall weekend.

“We were trying to find something to do in between soccer practice and taking my daughter to dance, so this seemed like a lot of fun,” said Orville Lewinson of New Windsor, whose four kids all participated in the kite flying. “I like how this is a little out of the ordinary thing to do, and they are able to meet other kids while enjoying being outside, so many good things about it.”

Ximena Castillo of the City of Newburgh and a junior at Newburgh Free Academy was one of many youth who came out to Washington's Headquarters Saturday afternoon to enjoy a unique activity, flying a kite, on the scenic, historic grounds.
Ximena Castillo of the City of Newburgh and a junior at Newburgh Free Academy was one of many youth who came out to Washington’s Headquarters Saturday afternoon to enjoy a unique activity, flying a kite, on the scenic, historic grounds.

In addition to the event attracting an impressive number of community members participating in the kite flying, it also caught the eye and attention of a local politician. Orange County Legislator, Kevindaryan Lujan stopped by for a while to observe the high flying antics while interacting with those in attendance. For Lujan, who literally grew up right across the street from Washington’s Headquarters, “Kites Over the Hudson” was symbolic of not only a one day wonderful fall outing, but the continual, upward, positively changing fabric of the City he loves.

“It’s really nice to see people coming out all together and enjoying the history here,” said Lujan, as he surveyed the beautiful grounds dotted with elated children running around, near a large, impressive monument. “We want to make sure Newburgh becomes a destination spot for people to visit, such as seeing this beautiful Watch Tower Monument, whose roof was recently fixed.”

Lujan went on to point out other exciting projects in the works for the Headquarters’ grounds, including connecting walkways and more tree planting. Both additions will help merge the already built up Waterfront to the nearby beautiful, historic site’s grounds, whose spot has played an integral role in Newburgh’s growth, hosting movie screenings over the summer as well as other dynamic, well-attended activities.

In fact, the youth fun offerings continue throughout the remainder of the year. Both Thanksgiving Weekend as well as December Break children will have an opportunity to come to the Headquarters and make crafts. In early 2019, on President’s Day Weekend, they are invited to join in on the George Washington Birthday Celebration, a chocked-filled afternoon, including lectures, music, reenactments, as well as birthday cake.

Those interested in any of these activities or a taking a tour of the Site, can call (845) 561-1789 for more information.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email