April — specifically March 26th-May 1st — is National Kite Month. Established in 1999 as a joint effort between the American Kitefliers Association (AKA) and the Kite Trade Association International (KTAI), focus of the National Kite Month celebration is to encourage kite events worldwide, stressing safety and wholesome family fun.
Kites have evolved from the days of sticks and newspaper to take advantage of modern materials. They can be lightweight controllable designs that are flown indoors with no wind to traction kites that can propel you on land and water. Modern designs can also be found with elaborate artwork or realistic representations of creatures that we are familiar with. Kites can range in size from smaller than a postage stamp to hundreds of square feet.
April is the perfect month to celebrate the history and enjoyment of kite flying. The dawn of warm sunny days in spring, not to mention many windy ones, makes for excellent kite-flying conditions. In addition, with so many children on spring break from school, flying kites offers inexpensive fun for the entire family.
The kiting world has changed over the years. Kiting has become an active, passionate sport with regular events like festivals and competitions. It’s a hobby for some, an amusement for many and both rich and culturally diverse in nature.
From an educational perspective, kites make a terrific vehicle for learning about a variety of subjects. Topics can range from creative uses of graphics and colors, all the way to history, physics, aerodynamics, and mathematics — from crafts to fine art, as well as exploring the more inspirational thoughts associated with kite flying.
Kites are generally thought of as toys for children. In reality, there is a whole world of kites out there just waiting to be discovered. Anyone who might be interested in learning more should check out the following resources:

National Kite Month
www.nationalkitemonth.org
American Kitefliers Association
aka.kite.org
Kite Trade Association International
www.kitetrade.org
The Drachen Foundation
www.drachen.org/default.html

Happy flying!

CENTRAL — Get on board for fun, food, festivities and more during Central’s annual Railroad Festival celebration. Held in historic downtown Central, on Saturday, April 23, the one-day festival begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m.

Spring is synonymous with awakening, rebirth, and renewal. After a long, cold, dreary winter, the days of spring bring with them warming sunshine, longer days, blossoming flowers and a general sense of optimism and the good things that are surely to come.

Rabid with spring fever, people are anxious to be outside — to drink in the delights of the world waking up around them. Blessed with beautiful, breathtaking geography, Pickens County has endless opportunities for its residents to enjoy all the out-of-doors has to offer. What better way to behold spring than by walking, running or cycling through it as it unfolds?

The next few months are abundant with opportunities to participate in fitness-related events that not only get people moving and enjoying the outdoors, but also contribute to a variety of community organizations that serve Pickens County. Whatever their sport preference, there is an activity designed and organized to piqué a variety of interests.

(StatePoint) For many Americans the warmer weather of spring means it’s time to focus on all those home improvement projects that would be inconvenient during winter.
Adding an extension, sanding wooden floors or replacing a roof are a lot easier when you’re not worried about the weather and diminished day light. Also, contractors are less likely to have weather-related delays that blow timelines, making spring renovations run more smoothly.

Few things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and budding flowers in the garden. A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.
There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of perennials, annuals and trees begin to flower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.