It’s again time for the annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.
This year’s theme is Brushstrokes in the Sky, featuring the history and craftsmanship of Asian kites.
The first kites were invented by the Chinese around 800 BC. Early kitemakers used them for all types of purposes, including measuring the wind, measuring distances, and communication. The Chinese military started to effectively use them for communications and signaling soon thereafter.
Kites first appeared in Europe in the 1600s and was mostly limited to a children’s play activity.
In the U.S. colonies in June of 1750, the most famous kite flying experiment involved Ben Franklin and his son, who flew a kite during a thunderstorm, resulted in the discovery of the natural phenomenon of electricity. Luckily, neither Franklin or his son were electrocuted in the process.
Entries can be individuals or teams and there are several events, including the ever-popular Rokkaku kite battle at the end of the day. There will also be the darting and dancing maneuvers of the Hot Tricks competition.
Awards are given to the top 3 in each of the following categories:
- Children - Under 12 and 12-15, with categories including most artistic, most humorous, and most patriotic, plus ten Wow awards.
- Top Kitemaker.
- Top Master Kitemaker.
- Special Awards include beauty in the air, best patriotic theme, best costume, best ingenuity and most unusual kite.
- Grand prizes include overall top kite, the People’s Choice kite and this year’s best Asian-themed kite.
Don’t miss the Japanese Taiko drummers that will be performing at the Opening Ceremony.
42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Washington Monument
Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets, NW
Washington, DC
Date & Time - Saturday, Mar. 29, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Registration starts at 10:00 a.m.
- Competitions start at 10:30 and run until 2:00.
- A Hot Trick competition and Japanese style kite battle starts at 2:00.
- The awards ceremony is at 4:00.
Admission – Admission and participation is free, just bring your own handmade kite. Click here for the rules.
Nearest Metro subway station – Federal Triangle or Smithsonian – Orange or Blue lines.
Images - Flickr - 70 Kites - ronnie44052, Dragon Kite - slightly-less-random, Girl and her kite - phirleh
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