On Saturday, May 4, the Ascension Knights sponsored the fourth annual High on Life Kite Festival supporting pro-life causes and offering a family-fun weekend event to enhance awareness of the special gift of life God has given us. The sunny weather and moderate wind provided a great time for all.

One of the many advantages of this event is that it is held in our own backyard, so it is easy to get to and available for school kids and others who might not be able to travel to a farther destination. It seeks to bring awareness of the cause of life right in our community, and awareness for those who are considering abortion and seeing the help being offered versus going to an abortion clinic. The kite festival sends a message while having family fun and being “HIGH ON LIFE”. To our knowledge, this is the only kite event promoting the Respect Life theme.

Held for the second year at Chesterfield Central Park, the event was attended by over 120 people, ranging in age from several months to 80 years of age. The kids decorated kites with pro-life symbols—with the assistance of Rosanna Benitez—and flew them with their parents and grandparents while others looked on from chairs and viewing areas. It was truly a joy to watch all the families enjoying the gift of life that God has given us!

Our day started out with Brother Knight Kevin Hennessey in full dress with his bagpipes leading the start of the festivities. The Gateway Kite Club, based in St Louis, was with us also, displaying their large and colorful kites. Thank you to the many Knights and Ladies and other volunteers, the Gateway Kite Club for their awesome displays, bagpiper Kevin Hennessey, photographer Tim Walsh, Thrive for its gift and supply donations, Chesterfield Parks, and many others. A special thank-you also goes to Father Patrick Hambrough, our Pastor, and Father Kent Pollman, our Council chaplain, who stopped by at separate times and spent time with everyone.

If you missed this year’s event, you can view the online photo gallery and plan to join us next year as we continue to promote the gift of life!