Kids, kites and color
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months, 3 weeks AGO
A butterfly attempts to soar Saturday at the first annual Kids & Kites Festival in Quincy Saturday.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Two Kids & Kites Festival attendees try to catch wind with their plastic kites. Their speedy attempts were unsuccessful, and an adult ended up helping the two young attendees to get their kites floating.
A dragon dances in the sky Saturday at Lauzier Park during Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival.
Fist bumps are exchanged between Grant County Fire District 3’s Sparky the Dog and two young attendees. Sparky broke out the dance moves and had the crowd giggling.
A yellow kite trails behind an attendee of the Kids & Kites Festival in Quincy. Quincy Parks and Recreation handed out 100 free kites to attendees.
Arches of kites dance in the wind at Lauzier Park Saturday.
While some of the Kids & Kites attendees went for a run around the park, others went for a more relaxed Saturday to lounge and watch the kites fly.
An octopus and a bird float above Lauzier Park Saturday.
QUINCY — Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival arrived on a gust of spring wind Saturday, turning Lauzier Park into a sky‑high kaleidoscope of color, motion and pure kid joy.
With every breeze that swept across the grass, dragons, butterflies and bright geometric kites leapt upward. Children chased after them in zigzags, laughing as they tried to catch the wind. When the kites dipped too low and skidded into the grass, parents swooped in like pit crews – untangling string, adjusting plastic frames and sending their young pilots back into the fray.
Arches of kites lined the park, swaying with the music drifting from Pear Radio’s speakers. DJ Rafael Aguilar kept the soundtrack lively, blending English-language hits with upbeat Hispanic tracks that matched the festival’s energy.
“Smiles on people, families sharing good time … that was very rewarding,” Aguilar said. “You see parents with their kids helping them fly their kites. It’s quality family time.”
The giggles of children added their own sound to the music, creating a rhythm that carried across the park. Some families spread out picnic blankets and simply watched the sky – kites bobbing, dipping and soaring.
Quincy’s police and fire departments joined the fun, with Sparky the Fire Dog stealing the show as he wiggled, waved and danced for the crowd.
Aguilar said the turnout exceeded expectations, with families offering “many good comments” throughout the day.
He credited the city’s Parks and Recreation team – especially director Russ Harrington – for helping make the event possible.
“Really good team effort,” he said. “Since day one, they were always available.”
And while the kites eventually came down, there was already excitement for next year. Aguilar said organizers hope to work with the city again to make the festival “bigger and better.”
Two Kids & Kites Festival attendees try to catch wind with their plastic kites. Their speedy attempts were unsuccessful, and an adult ended up helping the two young attendees to get their kites floating.
A dragon dances in the sky Saturday at Lauzier Park during Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival.
Fist bumps are exchanged between Grant County Fire District 3’s Sparky the Dog and two young attendees. Sparky broke out the dance moves and had the crowd giggling.
A yellow kite trails behind an attendee of the Kids & Kites Festival in Quincy. Quincy Parks and Recreation handed out 100 free kites to attendees.
Arches of kites dance in the wind at Lauzier Park Saturday.
While some of the Kids & Kites attendees went for a run around the park, others went for a more relaxed Saturday to lounge and watch the kites fly.
An octopus and a bird float above Lauzier Park Saturday.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond.
Grant County Commissioner candidates deliberate fiscal responsibility, budgeting
EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond.
Sheriff candidates discuss staffing, retention
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to select their next sheriff, incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. This installment focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing law enforcement agencies: recruiting, retaining and supporting qualified staff within the Grant County Sheriff's Office.