MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy took to the skies over Metropolitan Community College-Longview for the first time in April of 2007, born of a sparkle in the eye of MCC-Longview President Dr. Fred Grogan, who saw beautiful kites on the windy and expansive lawn of the campus. The event welcomed more than 3,500 people to the campus in its inaugural year. With community enthusiasm and the expert fliers of the Kansas City Kite Club (KCKC), Flights of Fancy immediately grew into an event of its own, far outshining even the highest expectations of MCC-Longview and KCKC. With KCKC’s kite displays and shows overhead and numerous kids’ attractions, children, families, and individuals of all ages took in the spectacular event and a tradition was born. Even CNN made it to Flights of Fancy, weaving their way to the campus attracted and guided by the colossal kites overhead!

In 2008, MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy, much to the delight of MCC-Longview and festival organizers, was called to return by the excited voices of the community. For the first year, community businesses were invited to share in the one-of-a-kind event, providing sponsorship that supports Flights of Fancy and keeps the event absolutely free to festival-goers. Several generous businesses enthusiastically partnered with MCC-Longview: Kiewit Power Constructors, Hawthorn Bank, SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, New Longview, Memories through Photographs, and Jerry’s Bait Shop.

Nearly 7,000 festival-goers poured onto the MCC-Longview campus in 2008, welcoming Flights of Fancy back. Again, individuals, families, friends, and neighbors relished the expert displays of KCKC and regional and international guest fliers, as well as plentiful kids activities including kite making, face painting, a balloon artist, sand art, an inflatable maze and slide, and, of course, a candy drop. The reviews were marvelous: “We loved the kite festival. It’s our first year to come. We’ll definitely be back next year with more of our friends!” said Betty Hughes. “Thank you for all the free kids’ activities. I hope you keep doing it - what a great family outing!” said another guest. “Beautiful environment for my son and I. I enjoyed the opportunity and flying our kites was awesome. Thank you. As a single father, this was wonderful,” said Lonell Banks.

MCC-Longview is proud to host Flights of Fancy again in 2009 and to welcome the community back to the campus for the only event of its kind in the region. Mark your calendar for April 18, 2009 (the third Saturday in April), tell your family and friends, and join us for the third annual MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy! And, don’t forget to thank our sponsors for their generous support of this wonderful, free community Festival; without them, it wouldn’t be possible!