TEMPLETON — Giant bubbles and colorful kites filled a bright blue sky during the recent “Go Fly A Kite” event held in the large field on Baldwinville Road near Narragansett Regional School. The event was sponsored by the Narragansett Historical Society, Templeton Cultural Council and JBM Services of Templeton.
“It was a very good day,” said Historical Society member Julie Crosby, “we’re growing a little bit each year. I really enjoy this event. This is a great group of people to work with.”
Crosby, who came up with the idea four years ago, said she whipped up 16 gallons of bubble mixture and made wands for the bubble activity. John Brooks donated use of the large, lush field for the event, and children and adults alike produced colorful, giant liquid spheres that floated above the grass. “Even the adults loved it,” said Crosby.
Glen Davison of Chelmsford held kite building instruction sessions, which went over well, according to Crosby, and Starwinds Kites of Gardner had kite kits for sale. While this year’s goal was to have 100 kites flying at one time, that goal fell short, said Crosby. “While it was plenty warm, we could have used more wind.”
Roughly 50 people turned out for the event, and Crosby noted, “We learned that we were competing with the Winchendon Chili Cookoff.” She said the schedule will be adjusted next year.
Various vendors offered food and other items. The Historical Society grilled up hamburgers and hotdogs, chips and cookies. John Brooks’ booth featured popcorn and fudge, and the Templeton Cultural Council offered small toy items to play with and purchase.
Live music was provided by the group, HooDoo Highway. They played relaxed, easy-listening music. “They played a little bit of everything,” said Crosby, “R&B, soft rock, they were versatile.” They were recommended to her and she checked out a recent show and decided they were the right fit. Cosentino’s Garage (C0&S) of East Templeton donated use of the stage for the band.
There were tractor pulls, and a hay wagon which gave rides around the grounds and shuttled participants from the parking area to the end of the field where the tractor pulls were held. There were many antique and lawn tractors, driven and on display.
Antique tractors and other vehicles were on display. John Brooks had 10-15 cars and trucks on display.
“This is just an old fashioned, fun day,” said Crosby, “it gets the kids outside, away from video games, computers and their phones for awhile, and hopefully they gain appreciation for simple activities.”