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, Dragon Kite, Girl and her kite

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Post from: The DC Traveler

With Spring in bloom (although you wouldn’t know it based on today’s weather), it’s time to grab your kite and twine and come to the 41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival being held on the grounds surrounding the Washington Monument.

The theme this year is “Japan WOW!” So flying dragons, giant sea creatures, Godzilla and perhaps even a piece or two of flying sushi might make an appearance.

It’s up to your imagination. This is a great family event and also fun for lovers to toss a blanket, bring a picnic, hold hands and watch the kites dance in motion.

There are some rules if you want to fly a kite, including the next bit of information that is a bit unique, but due post-911 air-space restrictions around the National Mall, the FAA has a policy for any kite that weighs over 5 lbs. It cannot be flown more than 500 feet above the ground, without prior FAA authorization. (I’m not sure how you actually get FAA authorization.) And if the President’s helicopter flies by, all kites must be immediately pulled down.

41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Washington Monument Constitution Ave.  between 15th and 17th NW
Washington, DC

Date & Time – Saturday, March 31st (raindate – Sunday April 1st)

Opening ceremony and registration 10:00 a.m., competitions run from 10:30 until 2:00 p.m., with a Hot Trick Showdown competition starting at 2:00 p.m. as well as the Rokkaku Challenge, in which Japanese-style kites battle for sole domination of the sky. The awards ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the Japanese Taiko drummers that will be performing at the Opening Ceremony.

Admission – admission and participation is free, just bring your handmade kite.

Nearest Metro subway station – Federal Triangle or Smithsonian – Orange or Blue lines

Photo credits: festival winner photo courtesy of Smithsonian Kite Festival, all others Flickr.

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Post from: The DC Traveler