Fifth annual Kite Day all about having fun
One of the most often heard comments in the newspaper industry is why do the stories often reflect the bad things in life. Well, that’s not really true. The contents of the newspaper are filled with features of topics such as married couples’ 100- year anniversaries, good folks who pick up trash along the side of the road for free and other philanthropic acts of all sorts. It’s just that the bad things seem to stick with you longer.
Maybe it’s the empathy we feel toward our fellow human beings which makes it stand out, or possibly the fact that, by its nature, bad news differs from the routine of our lives more than the positive. However, a simple economic fact is, bad news does sell better than good.
Of course. this doesn’t come as any surprise to most people. Just look at what reaction an accident on the side of the highway can institute and you will see heads crane to see just what has happened. Even those who would rather not look often can’t resist the seemingly automatic response.
That’s what makes the topic of today’s editorial that much more fun … it’s all about fun, having a good time and enjoying some of the better things in life. Saturday marks the 5th annual Kite Day for the Southern Standard and Mini Standard. Beginning at 10 a.m. you, your loved ones, family and friends can enjoy good, wholesome fun and fellowship at Hickory Creek Elementary School. Besides the Standard and Mini Standard, Kite Day is sponsored by local businesses like Dr Pepper and McMinnville Electric who care about making the community we live in a nice place to call home. Bonnie Bear will be there to greet her friends, and it’s rumored that Louie the Lightening Bug might make an appearance as well.
Besides the historical significance of Ben Franklin’s kite adventures, there’s something about flying a kite that is magical and fun. It brings out the kid in us all. Kite Day allows grownups to be a kid for a day, and others to spend time with their children who might not get a chance during their long work week. What can be more important?
Speaking of good news, one doesn’t have to look much further than the Mini Standard itself distributed to students grades K through five. Edited by Margaret Hobbs, the Mini Standard is actually written by a group of students called “cub reporters” … and it’s chocked full of good news, fun, pictures and puzzles. This month’s edition had stories about the history of the kite, teacher awards and a story about Earth Day, a nationally recognized day where environmental concerns are brought to the forefront and projects such as recycling are done by groups all across the country in an effort to improve our world.
The last line of the story says: Remember, we can make a difference to America if we all work together! That’s really what we are doing when we go out and enjoy something like Kite Day with our friends and family … making a difference – even if it’s just in the lives of our children. After all, our children are our future.
So if you think bad news is the story of the day, think again. At least on Saturday, it is good news like Kite Day we can focus on instead.