KiteFest set to return to Simcoe County

The skies in Simcoe County will soon be overwhelmed with kites one day soon.
The second annual Simcoe County South Asian KiteFest is set to return on June 17. The event is being spearheaded by the South Asian Network of Simcoe County and has a mission to create a sense of community.
"Kite Festivals traditionally happen in the western part of India," said Abbasi Kothari, the vice president of the organization. "It's one of the biggest events in India. It's one of those events which brings everybody together, be it whatever religion, faith, cast, whatever, but it brings the community together. We wanted to do something like that for our community in New Tecumseth."
During its inaugural run last year, organizers say approximately 600 people participated. This year they are expecting over 1,000 people to turn out.
"There will be a lot of music, there will be a lot of food, entertainment and a lot of different events," said Kothari. "We're bringing in people from different communities along to do some performances, which will be exciting."
The event is open to everyone, and admission is free. Kites will be available for a charge, or participants can bring their own, so long as they don't have any potentially harmful coating like glass.
The festival will be held on Sat. June 17 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Mel Mitchell Field in Beeton.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

U.S. judge rules Donald Trump defrauded banks, insurers while building real estate empire
A U.S. judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House, and he ordered some of the former president's companies removed from his control and dissolved.
BREAKING Hollywood writers strike declared over after boards vote to approve contract with studios
Leaders of the screenwriters union declared their nearly five-month-old strike over Tuesday after board members approved a contract agreement with studios, bringing Hollywood at least partly back from a historic halt in production.
Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament
Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.
ER doctor challenging 'toxic environment' in Ontario hospital after secret investigation based on unfounded murder allegation
After more than 30 years of caring for critically ill patients in emergency and intensive care, Dr. Scott Anderson is preparing to face off against the hospital where he works in London, Ont., in a case described as "unusual" by lawyers and potentially costly for Ontario taxpayers.
Canadian women's soccer team earns Olympic berth with win over Jamaica
The Canadian women's national soccer team has clinched a spot in the 2024 Paris Games after defeating Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate in Olympic qualifying.
Is broadband essential, like water or electricity? New net neutrality effort makes the case
Landmark net neutrality rules rescinded under former President Donald Trump could return under a new push by U.S. Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel. The rules would reclassify broadband access as an essential service on par with other utilities like water or power.
Comedian Rob Schneider cancels trip to Canada after veteran who fought for Nazis honoured in Parliament
Comedian Rob Schneider says he has cancelled an upcoming visit to Canada in light of last week’s incident in which a Ukrainian veteran who fought with a Nazi unit in the Second World War was given a standing ovation in the House of Commons.
How reindeer on an Arctic island survived thousands of years through inbreeding
An eye-brow raising phenomenon may be behind the success of Svalbard reindeer, researchers say, according to a new study analyzing how the species used inbreeding to survive in the Arctic archipelago.
How was veteran Yaroslav Hunka's military unit linked to the Nazis?
During the height of the Second World War, Nazi Germany formed a division of Ukrainian volunteers to fight against Soviet Russia. One of its members was controversially honoured with two standing ovations in Canada's Parliament this week.