Taking flight! South Salem youngster's pitch becomes successful airplane contest

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y. - A 9-year-old South Salem resident turned a simple idea into a high-flying community event last month, thanks to support from the town’s parks department.

Aiden Kimparker-Krieger, a local fourth grader, reached out via email to the Lewisboro Parks and Recreation Department with a proposal: host a county-wide paper airplane contest. The idea quickly gained traction when Superintendent Nicole Caviola responded and invited Aiden to meet in December to discuss the concept.

During that meeting, Caviola and her staff treated the young organizer like any other collaborator—asking detailed questions, taking notes, and exploring how to bring the event to life. They ultimately agreed to move forward with the contest, which was held on Feb. 28.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Aiden remained closely involved in the planning process. Parks staff regularly checked in with him on key decisions, including snacks, music, judging criteria, and age divisions. He even gave final approval on promotional materials before they were printed.

The result was a turnout that exceeded expectations. Roughly 100 people attended the contest, filling the venue with energy as both children and parents eagerly participated. The event featured a series of competitions and concluded with winners recognized across multiple categories.

The collaboration served as a notable example of how local government can empower community members—regardless of age—to bring ideas to fruition. For Aiden, what started as an email became a successful, town-wide event that brought residents together and showcased the power of initiative.