On Saturday, March 29, at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, former state Senator Brenda Gilmore hosted her 16th annual ‘Kids and Kites Day.’ The event ran from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, and was a special day for Nashville’s children (of all ages) to enjoy themselves, while focusing on fighting childhood obesity and diabetes.

“I do not remember a time in my life where diabetes was not affecting someone in my immediate family, but what I do know now is we know what we can do, starting at a young age, to combat it,” said attendee Nick Garvin. “Thank you to Senator Gilmore for her continued focus and support on this issue in our community. To add, I wanna know who passes up the opportunity for good music, people and a chance to fly kites. I’m not sure who was having more fun flying the kite, my daughter Clementine or myself!”

Events for the day included local health and wellness vendors, a one mile family fun walk/run; giveaway prizes; great music; free food; and, of course, kite flyin’! The annual event, founded by Sen. Gilmore and Lois Winston, Fantasia in Red, and the Red Hat Society, serves a diverse number of children, motivates children to empower themselves, and teaches children good citizenship.

“Flying kites is a lost art with children,” Gilmore said in 2017. “Most of the children in modern day don’t know how to fly kites and have never flown a kite a day in their lives. The purpose of Kids and Kites is to bring awareness to reducing childhood obesity. We brought together something fun, a fun way to teach healthy lifestyles and healthy behaviors. Tennessee is in the top five states in the whole country with us being obese and overweight.”

This year’s sponsors included Vaccines for All; Tennessee State Parks; Alexander & Associates, Inc.; The Newlife; Vanderbilt University; the Tennessee Department of Health; and James Harris, attorney. With its mission to serve a diverse group of children, empower young participants, and promote good citizenship, ‘Kids and Kites Day’ remains a cherished annual tradition for Nashville families.

One Mile Fun Walk was led by Tania Fletcher, Felecia Daniels Harris, Jennifer Yokley, and Yolanda Kidd Tate as Walk Marshalls. Events included Free Fly, Metro High Steppers, Jennifer Yokley’s Group, Hadley Park dancers, Rejoice Ballet Dancers, Topaz Blue Yoga, and Malone Dancers.

To see more photos from this event, click HERE.