Kites Over Hudson Lights Up Sky and People’s Spirt

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Arielle Bailey of Middletown loved looking up at the kites in the sky as they floated into outerspace. Meanwhile, Newburgh’s Cassius Vazquez described how he felt like he was in a big forest of big butterflies.

Both children, along with an assortment of other youth as well as a fair share of adults, dotted the Washington Headquarter’s lawn on a crystal clear, sunny Saturday afternoon.

Many of them made colorful, beautifully constructed kites soar above the lush landscape, enveloped by the Hudson River and surrounding mountains as well as the newly restored Tower of Victory- available to guests to climb up the belvedere.

It was all part of an over 40 year, well-attended, annual community event, “Kites over the Hudson.” Part of the Hudson River Ramble fall offerings, the kite gathering was assisted by several local businesses-agencies. Offering free kites to the first 150 children under age 15, compliments of Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands, the day also included free guest admissions to the historic Headquarter’s site, further featuring a guided tour of the Hasbrouk House, which stores over 1300 artifacts. Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation picked up the tab for the gratis admission. The Purple Heart Museum in New Windsor was also on hand, under a tent, providing a kite hospital, repairing “wounded” kites.

Finally, ice cream treats were donated, providing plenty of needed sugar energy to keep children-and adults-running and the kites afloat.

Some guests were new to the unique kite flying activity, while others were returnees such as the Pruitt family of Newburgh.

“It’s our second year here, and the kids both like it a great deal, flying the kites, seeing the colors and just being outdoors,” said David Pruitt, who was assisting his children, Serenity, age 12 and Siyel, age 6 with their kites. “A lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, this is just really a wonderful thing to do, very enjoyable.”

Kite novices Amelia and Arielle Bailey of Middletown were all smiles, running up and down the lawn area, working diligently to catch some wind for their kites. Once airborne, their laughter resonated.

“I like flying kites a lot,” said an excited Amelia. “I like to run and the rainbow colors are so pretty to look at.”

Her sister Arielle, was all about the “loop to loops,” making her kite dance in her own special way.

It’s that kind of enthusiasm and sheer joy that brought a huge smile to Elyse Goldberg’s face.

The Director of Washington’s Headquarters looks forward to this family get-together every year. The positives it brings to the historic site, community and beyond are priceless.

“This is a beautiful opportunity for the community to enjoy the park-like setting and views of the Hudson, and at the same time learn something about the site,” said Goldberg, as she surveyed the festive, colorful lawn and listened to the contagious laughter. “It is a fun day that gets families together, just a positive event, and I’m just very grateful to be able to do this with the community each year.”