Kites were soaring high today at Chico’s annual Kite Day Sunday.

Families and friends gathered around 1 p.m. to celebrate the coming of spring with music, food, and of course kites at 20th Street Community Park.

The vision of this day was originated in 1985 by Bob Malowney, owner of Bird in Hand in Downtown Chico, according to Ryan Arnold, event coordinator and spokesperson for Chico Area Recreational & Park District (CARD). Once teamed up with CARD, this day of kids and kites came to life.

“It’s basically just an invitation for people to come and play in the park,” said Arnold.

The event featured music provided by local radio station Bob FM and food from the Truckaroni and Slyderz Grill food trucks.

One could also spot some familiar princesses roaming around taking pictures with children, with volunteers in popular character costumes making appearances.

All who joined in the fun received a souvenir gifted by Bird in Hand, a store in Chico.

“It reminds you that it doesn’t take much,” said Arnold. “Just a simple toy and a nice day to make a child smile.”

Tisha Cheney can be reached at [email protected] or @orionnews_TC on Twitter.