Fly a Kite, Show Off Fido

Children of all ages are invited to Beech Mountain this Labor Day weekend for two fun events: the Mile High Kite Festival and BJ’s Dog Show.

The 10th annual kite fest is Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1 and 2, while the town’s sixth annual dog show has moved to Labor Day weekend and will take place Saturday, Sept. 1.

Beech Mountain has adjacent venues for the events. An open meadow in the heart of town is ideal for kite activities, while the new Beech Bark Park provides two play areas (one for small dogs and one for large dogs) in a fenced, one-acre park.

Kite Festival

The Mile High Kite Festival – free both days – takes place Saturday, Sept. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m., with demonstrations by kite clubs and open flying.

Sunday is the festival’s main day, with hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first 300 children 12 and younger receive free kites, and vendors will be on hand selling kites. Folks are also welcome to bring their kites and fly them at an altitude of one mile above sea level.

Contests will honor the biggest, smallest and best-decorated kites. Other activities include races with kids pulling parachute kites, face painting, kite-flying music and food vendors.

All participants receive official certificates from Beech Mountain mayor Rick Owen, proclaiming: “I flew a kite a mile high on Beech Mountain.”

The kite festival is sponsored by the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Richmond Air Force Kite Club from Richmond, Va., and the Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society (WACKOS) from Charlotte.

Dog Show

Dog lovers should make plans to attend BJ’s Dog Show, named for long-time town employee B.J. Hughes. The show runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Bark Park.

Entry fee is $20 for one dog and $30 for two dogs, with spectators admitted free.

There will be certificates and prizes for winning dogs, while all furry friends receive a ribbon of participation.

For information, call the Beech Mountain Visitors Center at (800) 468-5506.