With the sun shining in a cloudless sky, Sat., March 27 proved to be a perfect day to go fly a kite—on the National Mall. Throngs of enthusiastic kite flyers (and watchers) descended on the Washington Monument grounds for the 44th annual Smithsonian Kite Festival to enjoy a day of kite competition and craft.

The festival’s theme--CRAFTed for Flight—was a celebration of the art and joy of kite-making and kite-flying. Family-oriented activity tents helped guide festivalgoers through the intricacies of kite-making and the craft of getting their creations to fly. Among the sponsors of this year’s tents were The Drachen Foundation, West Indian American Kiters Association, the National Aquarium, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For those who preferred to fly pre-made kites, our lead sponsor, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, graciously sponsored a giveaway of 1,000 mini-kites to children at the festival. There was also a display of dozens of handmade kites that were a tribute to craftsmanship.

Hundreds of kite makers of all ages came out to display and fly their homemade beauties and enter them into the various competitions. Children entered the contest in one of two age groups: 11 and under or 12 to 15. Amateur kite makers were given a chance to showcase and fly their homemade creations while judges from the Smithsonian Kite Committee chose the best of each category. Noteworthy contestants were honored with special-recognition awards including most artistic, most humorous, and most patriotic. Additionally, kite flyers, participants, and spectators were invited to vote for their favorite kites throughout the day, and the winner was named the Peoples’ Choice for 2010.

The dramatic Hot Tricks showdown and Rokkaku Kite Challenge rounded out the day’s events. The Hot Tricks champion--chosen by audience applause--was determined by a head-to-head showdown of hair-raising kite tricks and high-flying stunts. The Rokkaku challenge featured three rounds of kite battles during which teams of 4 strategized to cut competing kites out of the air.

One of the Kite Festival highlights is the poetry contest. Each year, children from first grade through high school in the Washington, D.C. area and beyond submit original poetry based on the year’s theme or the simple joy of flying a kite. This year’s CRAFTed for Flight submissions were particularly inspired as young poets mused on kites, flight, and beauty in the air.

Finally, thank you to the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, the Northrop Grumman Corporation, Revolution Kites, Host Hotels & Resorts, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for making the 44th annual Smithsonian Kite Festival such a blast

Sponsored by: