OROVILLE – One of Oroville’s newest traditions, Kite Day, will take place at Bud Clark Ball Fields on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Oroville chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America is sponsoring the event for the third consecutive year. Free kites will be provided to the first 100 children, said Michelle McElheran, with the local Royal Neighbors Chapter.

Oroville’s Kite Day tradition began in April of 2008, as one of the first events celebrating Oroville’s Centennial Celebration. Pastor Ray J. Isenberger, a previous resident of the community, coordinated the event and Oroville’s Royal Neighbors of America purchased the kites.

“Our desire is to continue this tradition as a celebration of spring, and promote family involvement, exercise, academics, community spirit, smiles and lots of family fun,” said McElheran.

The Royal Neighbors of America has provided the funding for this year’s kites and will also serve hot chocolate and cookies to all who attend Kite Day. The 100 complimentary kites will be available to the first children who arrive and those with kites of their own are encouraged to bring them to add to the festivities. This year, Walt Hart and his Boy Scout Troop will again assemble the purchased kites for the event, according to McElheran.

“While Oroville may be a small town, it is a town with a big heart. Kite Day is the culmination of many different people, various organizations with lots of community spirit, who share a desire to build a strong community in which our children can grow and flourish,” McElheran said.

The Royal Neighbors invite everyone with a child’s heart, young and old, to stop by Bud Clark Ball Field this Saturday and enjoy the thrill of flying a kite.