|
Smithsonian Kite Festival - Celebrating 100 Years of Flight
Over 15,000 gathered to enjoy a beautiful spring day and participate
in the Smithsonian Kite Festival held on the National Mall on Saturday,
March 22, 2003. This year, the festival "Celebrated 100 Years of
Flight" marking the anniversary of the Wright Brothers first air
flights at Kitty Hawk. The Wright Brothers and others used kites for key
scientific research and modelling in the process of developing their successful
aircraft.
The Smithsonian Kite Festival is in its 37th year, making it one of the
older celebrations of kiting. It is an event for all ages and features
displays, demonstrations and competitions. For example there was a competition
for handmade kites capable of flying at a minimum of 100 feet for at least
one minute. Kites (which must be created by the participants) were judged
on design, appearance, construction and performance. Prizes were given
for categories such as Funniest, Best Asian Design, Beauty in Air and
many more as well as for the kite that best interprets the festival theme.
Representatives from kite organizations set up displays on the Mall where
participants and spectators learned about kite making and kite flying.
In addition. participants were treated to a traditional "Rokkaku"
kite battle.
The Smithsonian Kite Festival is sponsored by The Smithsonian Associates
and the National Air and Space Museum. Founded by aviation pioneer Paul
E. Garber (1899-1992), the Festival is one of the most popular annual
events held on the National Mall.
This year's sponsors were SMART Papers, Metro (Washington Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority), 2000 Penn and the Mandarin Oriental, a new luxury
Washington hotel opening Spring 2004. SMART Papers distributed over 5,000
mini kites to children who attended the festival's events.
More Festivals
Kite festivals are some of the more wonderous and colorful experiences
that one can enjoy. To get a taste, go to the International
Kite Travel Section of Gombergkites.com you'll find some good descriptions
and interesting photos. Who know, it just might make you change your upcoming
vacation plans.
|