Canberrans and territory neighbours flooded Googong's Rockley Oval on Sunday, taking to the sky in record numbers for the fifth annual Father's Day Kite Fest.
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Royal Australian Air Force pilot Mitch Beck and his family were among the revelers soaking up the spring sun, food and music at the event. Organisers said it attracted more than 1500 people - the record set in previous years, although numbers were sometimes dampened by bad weather.
"I think we're just really lucky today because everyone was really hopeful for some winds and we finally got it for the first time in a few years," Mr Beck, whose family has lived in the NSW town for three years, said.
"Most people just walk on down from their homes and you always bump into a dozen people you know."
Food and drink trucks were overwhelmed by the turnout, with Capital Woodfired Pizza and Boss Burger making more than 100 of each by about 1pm.
Bar tending service Queeshebar had gone through five cases of beer and two cases of soft drink by the same time, while Googong Hogs Football Club was expecting to have sold 300 sausages by 2pm.
It started the day with 120, and had to buy more from the local IGA.
"It's always been a really tiny community out here [so] this has surprised us," club president Josh Ebert said.
"It's great to see all the kites flying around and everyone out having a good time.
"We only catered for about a quarter of the people that are here".
Canberra kite enthusiast Ian Burrell, who had attended the event since it began and treated spectators to giant flying whales, cats, and a turtle in previous years, was planning to unveil a new giant octopus - but couldn't get it in the sky until the crowds died down.
"I can put it up, but why ruin the kids' fun?" he said.
Mr Burrell had sold about two dozen kites to families by 1pm on Sunday.
The first day of spring delivered near-perfect weather conditions for the event, with Googong reaching tops of nearly 20 degrees, and Canberra not far off with tops of 19.
Wind speed in the town was clocked at about 17 kilometres an hour. More balmy conditions were predicted for the working week, with Canberra set to reach 19 degrees on Monday, 21 on Tuesday and 23 on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Kite Fest, which also included performances and a DJ, was hosted by Googong developers Peet and Mirvac.
Peet's ACT state manager, Penny Forrest, said the free event was a great way to relax on Father's Day and let children entertain themselves nearby.
"Googonians love to get together and have fun and Kite Fest is one of our most popular events," she said.
"Every year we are joined by hundreds of families from all over the Canberra area who enjoy an easy, fun day out.
"It's exhilarating to take a run in the park with the kids and watch their faces as their kite takes off."
More than 3500 people live in Googong, with a total of 18,000 expected to call it home in the next 15 years.