The 41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival March 31, 2007

The 41st Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Smithsonian honors the importance of the kite in Japanese culture with this year’s festival. Participants are challenged to create their own Japan-inspired kite for our annual kitemaking competition. Awards are given in on three levels (youth, kitemaker, master kitemaker), and special awards include the Theme Award, People’s Choice, and Highest Overall Score. Kites are judged on appearance, design, construction, and performance. Registration for the competition begins at 10 a.m.

In addition to the competitions, this year’s festival includes an opening ceremony featuring a local Taiko drum group, demonstration booths by Japanese kitemakers, displays of Japanese kite art and hands-on activities led by representatives from kite organizations. Children and adults are welcome to fly non-competition kites throughout the day.

Location: On the grounds of the Washington Monument, National Mall
This event is free and open to the public.

Official Website: http://www.smithsonianassociates.org