Klite Festival drew largest crowds ever

What began as an idea to bring people together six years ago, has blossomed into an annually anticipated event for the Leamington area.

The Southpoint Klite (kites and lights) Festival is alive and well and organizer George Paisiovich is now faced with the challenge of making sure his festival is allowed the room and space to grow into the future.

“I originally planned to do this for five years and call it quits and pursue a number of other interests I have.  This was year six. I always say every year that I will decide if I want to do it again year-by-year.”

Paisiovich says the tremendous attendance this year has him thinking well into the future.

“Now my challenge is given the tremendous success of this past year, what would I have to put in place next year with an even greater number of attendees, and how do I address parking, more costs, more volunteers, and then for how long does it go on,” he says.

The soon-to-be 69-year-old says he wants to use his remaining time wisely, creating memories for families in a way that he can also enjoy doing.

He has lots to be thankful for — especially the 75 volunteers who work tirelessly alongside Paisiovich to ensure that all the families who attend have the maximum amount of fun.

Paisiovich emphasizes peace and love in the entire display and he’s proud that shows through with the attendance.

“I am most proud of the fact that during COVID, we were one of the rare public events that rose to the occasion of putting on a free public event which was needed more than ever,” he says.  “COVID taught us the importance of human contact.  Even more than the amazing event we had this year, for me personally, being there for families and defying the challenges and resistance of some during COVID is still my most fulfilling moment of this whole adventure.”

This year’s event featured 42 guest kiters from across North America, including Bob and Charmayne Umbowers, who came all the way from Colorado. There were 80 giant kites flying through most of the weekend, including being lit up at night. 

Everyone got a bubble wand as well as a free glow stick at night time.

Many spent time playing in the numerous displays on the ground as well.

Attendance was at 4,600 as of Saturday evening.

Donations were accepted at the gate as a freewill gesture and Paisiovich says that every little bit helps. His sponsors help tremendously in making it viable. 

He currently has an online survey to ask people to give their opinions on where the festival should head in the future.

“The thank you ad we have taken out in the Sun this week will include a link to the online survey so anyone can contribute to the discussion about any future going forward,” he says. “Do we leave it here? Another year or two, or another five year plan?”

He says they encourage people to participate in the survey, let them know if they can contribute to helping what will obviously be an even larger event.

In the end, George Paisiovich is just happy to be able to provide the festival for families to enjoy and as he always says, “Keep looking UP!”