Washington’s compatriot/buddy Ben Franklin would approve. This Saturday, August 27, the annual “Kites over the Hudson” event will take place on the grounds of Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in the City of Newburgh’s East End Historic District. Central Hudson and the Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands will be co-sponsoring the event. Their generosity makes it possible to have a day of free tours of the historic headquarters, along with free kites for the first 150 children age 15 and under to arrive.

Of course, you can bring your own special kite and demonstrate your skills, too. Prizes will be awarded to children in various kite-flying categories: the highest-flying, the kite that remains in the air the longest time, overall best effort and prettiest homemade kite. Everyone is invited to join in the day’s fun of challenging the elements and keeping kites aloft. There will even be a kite hospital, manned by members of Chapter 1782 of the Purple Heart, for the repair of crippled kites.

If you’re not adept at piloting a kite, bring a chair or blanket out to enjoy the weather, appreciate the view of the Hudson River and bask in the festive atmosphere of the day. The open lawn or spot of shade will offer perfect viewing from which to chart the bobbing and weaving of the kites. So cheer on your favorite participant, or just relax and take in the airborne spectacle, complete with free refreshments donated by local businesses, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is a registered national historic landmark. It is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets in Newburgh. One of 35 historic sites within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, it is administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. For further information call (845) 562-1195.