Kites Over the Hudson event takes flight in Newburgh

Friday August 24, 2012 11:45 AM By Georgette Yacoub

Photo credit: Courtesy of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site | Kites Over the Hudson, an end-of-summer celebration, will be held at the historic site where Gen. Washington made his headquarters near the end of the Revolutionary War.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Actually, it’s a kite. And you can watch hundreds of them fly up, up, and away this Saturday during the Kites Over the Hudson event in Newburgh.

The end-of-summer celebration, held on four acres of green space at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, will include kite flying, balloon twisting and other fun activities for the whole family.

“Besides being beautiful and the scenic views of the Hudson, it’s a very historic spot,” said Elyse Goldberg, the site manager of Washington’s Headquarters. “It’s a nice green space in the middle of an urban environment that we want the community to know about. It’s a way to get your fingers wet in history.”

The first 150 children under 15 to make it out to the event will be given free kites to fly during the festivities. To add onto the freebies, the park will serve free refreshments.

“It’s an opportunity for controlled chaos,” said Goldberg. “We have kids running tirelessly up and down the hill all day. It’s fun to watch them have lots of fun.”

Families can enjoy picnics on the shaded side of the park and can take a free tour of the Hasbrouck House, where Gen. Washington commanded his troops.

“This is what you think of when you think of a summer afternoon in the park,” said Goldberg.

IF YOU GO

What: Kites Over the Hudson

When: 2-4 p.m. Sat., Aug. 25

Info: Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, 84 Liberty St., Newburgh; 845-562-1195; palisadesparksconservancy.org; free

Tags: Newburgh , Orange County , events , historic sites , kids