
Mitch Traphagen Photo
Laughter from children could be heard on the ground while kites painted the sky in Apollo Beach for the fourth annual Kite Fest, sponsored by the Apollo Beach Beautification Committee (ABBC). Dozens of children were provided with free kites and everything they needed to color and customize them, along with free beverages and hot dogs, before sending their creations into the sky.
Four-year-old Joshua Burdette, on his first outing with a kite, flew it like a pro while his mother Danielle watched with a smile on her face. As much as the children enjoyed it, it is possible the parents and grandparents had even more fun.
The Kite Fest began as part of the 50th anniversary of the community and it has returned each year since due to its popularity. In addition to the annual Kite Fest, the ABBC also holds an annual plant sale and installs Christmas decorations and patriotic and holiday banners along Apollo Beach Blvd.
The Apollo Beach Beautification Committee is a 501(c) non-profit organization comprised of community volunteers with the goal of maintaining and improving the beauty of Apollo Beach. Past achievements of the organization include planters and additional palm trees on Apollo Beach Blvd., the “Welcome to Apollo Beach Sign” on U.S. 41, the installation of benches and other landscaping projects.
For more information about the ABBC, call Mary Lou Luce at 813-645-2267.
Apollo Beach Kite Fest 2012 – Images by Mitch Traphagen