Rain can’t dampen Sedgefield’s kite festival spirit

SEDGEFIELD NEWS - The skies may have stayed grey, but the rain-soaked weekend failed to dampen the volunteers, visitors and kite enthusiasts' spirits at the recent 10th RE/MAX Garden Route Kite Festival.

This annual festival, held in aid of Sedgefield-based non-profit organisation Masithandane, largely washed out after nine years of mostly favourable weather.

The visiting kite fliers were grounded, the stallholders saw fewer customers than hoped for, and months of preparation were undone by the rain. Yet the disappointment was met with good humour and a remarkable spirit of togetherness.

One of the highlights was the new upcycled kite-making competition for schools, which challenged the learners to create kites from recycled and repurposed materials. The 1st Sedgefield Scout Group took first place.

The festival's Sky Art Banner Challenge also attracted entries from schools across the Garden Route. George South Primary School emerged as the winner, and the colourful banners showcased the learners' imagination and artistic flair.

While the weather affected attendance and the fundraising efforts, the festival's purpose remained as important as ever. For 20 years, Masithandane has supported vulnerable members of the Sedgefield community.

The funds raised through the festival help children from disadvantaged backgrounds attend high school, giving them access to educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

After last year's record fundraising effort, the lower turnout was a setback. However, the organisers thanked the volunteers who worked behind the scenes, the stallholders who supported the event, and the visiting kite fliers who took the disappointment in their stride.

Continued sponsor RE/MAX Coastal also received thanks for helping establish the festival as a Garden Route fixture.

A decade after the festival first brought kite flying and community support together, its purpose remains unchanged. Although the kites struggled to take to the skies this year, the spirit that has sustained the event for 10 years was unmistakable.

The banner created by George South Primary School, the winner of the Sky Art Banner Competition. Photos: Supplied