Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Miles Morrison, 4, of Lake Milton, watches Emma Ingles, 5, of Niles, run in an attempt to get her kite flying at the 22nd annual Austintown Kite Festival Sunday afternoon at the Stacey Pavilion in Austintown Park.

AUSTINTOWN — Kayla Morrison arrived at Austintown Township Park on Sunday afternoon determined to get some kites in the air.

The Lake Milton woman said she was almost as excited as her children, Miles, 4, and Brooks, 1, to see the kites they had just gotten at the annual Austintown Kite Festival soaring through the sky. She had brought Miles to the festival in previous years, but this was Brooks’ first time.

“This is such a great thing,” she said. “It’s such a great thing to get kids and families out here flying kites. We love it. We’re all so excited.”

While supplies lasted, all children in attendance were given a free kite and other gifts during the event, which is now in its 22nd year. Some 400 kites were distributed.

The event also featured various activities, including face painting, rock painting, coloring stations, raffles, vendors and concessions. Members of the fire and police departments were on hand to provide closeup looks at their fire trucks and police cruisers.

Attendees also were treated to seeing demonstrations from professional kite pilots.

“When this first started over 20 years ago, we had to ask people to participate,” said Brenda Rider, festival founder and organizer. “Now, we have people calling us wanting to help and participate. It has grown so much, and it is so great to see the kids, the families, so excited to get their kites and get outside and fly them.”

All event proceeds will benefit Noah’s Lost Ark Exotic Animal Rescue in Berlin Center.