The 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival

The 42th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival will be held on Saturday,
March 29, 2008 on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington,
D.C., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: March 30). This free, public event
organized by The Smithsonian Associates and the National Air and Space
Museum features kite displays, demonstrations and handmade kite
competitions.

This year's festival celebrates the art and history of Chinese kites and
includes demonstration booths by Chinese kitemakers, displays of Chinese
kites, and a special opening ceremony. The Festival kicks off The Smithsonian
Associates public program series, "China: An Incomparable Journey," which
will include more than twenty educational and cultural programs on Chinese
arts, history, cuisine, culture, and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

 Featured every year is the handmade kite competition in which
awards are given in categories for children, adults, and master kitemakers.
Kites must be created by the participant and will be judged on design,
appearance, construction, and performance. A special award is given for the
kite that best interprets the festival theme. Competitions are held for
handmade kites capable of flying at a minimum of 100 feet for at least one
minute. Registration for the competitions will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.
Children and adults are welcome to fly non-competition kites throughout the
day.

  Founded by aviation pioneer Paul E. Garber (1899-1992), the
Smithsonian Kite Festival is sponsored by The Smithsonian Associates and the
National Air and Space Museum, and features kite fliers from across the U.S.
and around the world. For more information, visit kitefestival.org  or call (202)
633-3030.

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