This year, as the Smithsonian Kite Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, we reminisce about the decade of its origin ? the 1960s. Whether or not you can personally recall that legendary decade, we challenge you to help recreate it in the sky over the National Mall with your grooviest, most far-out kite. With psychedelic kites ?blowin? in the wind?, perhaps we can all experience a little bit of that peace, love and harmony.
New this year are hands-on activities led by representatives from kite organizations. For example, you can learn about kite flying, help make a kite, and learn about the history of kites and the Smithsonian Kite Festival.
Test your skills by entering in one of the festival's three competitions. If you would like to build your own kite you are invited to enter the handmade kite competition. Two heart-stopping events are also offered: The always popular traditional rokkaku kite battle will be held at the end of the day and the Hot Tricks competition, which is limited to eight competitors. Kite flyers strut their stuff on the field while dazzling the crowd with trick kite moves. Awards are given in over 36 categories including aerodynamics, beauty, box, and funniest, with top prizes being the Theme Award, People?s Choice, Family Trophy, and Highest Overall Score. Kites are judged on appearance, design, construction, and performance.
Representatives from kite organizations set up stunning displays under the open sky, where participants and spectators are invited to ask questions about kite making and kite flying. In addition to the competitions, there are demonstrations by kite-flying masters, free kite making for the kids and a kite exhibition.
RAIN DATE: Sunday, March 26, 2006 For more information call 202-357-3030.