Awards

The Smithsonian Kite Festival is changing its format this year to focus more on the festival atmosphere and less on competition.  We hope to have as many people
as possible enjoy the experience of flying a kite, and to that end we are emphasizing activities that encourage flying and enjoyment for all. These changes will allow people to experience the joys of kite flying by making and flying a kite with us on the grounds of The Washington Monument.  We expect to have more kites in the sky than ever before!

This year, adult competitors will have an opportunity to vote for their peers.  Each competitor in the Kitemaker and Master Kitemaker Competitions has a chance to vote for their choices among the other competitors.  Those votes will be tallied and will determine the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards in each category.  In addition, a team of judges ranging from kitemaking experts to local celebrities to museum staff will chose the Children’s Awards, Ground Display, Theme Award and Grand Prize.

Don’t miss our Roving Microphone on the field – we want you to share the story behind your handmade kite!

SEQUENCE OF AWARDS

CHILDREN'S AWARDS (15 & UNDER):
Awards given in two categories: Age 11 and under, Age 12 - 15
1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Most Artistic
Most Humorous
Most Patriotic
10 special “Wow” awards

  • Competition runs from noon to 1 p.m.
  • Awards Ceremony follows immediately at 1 p.m.
  • Everyone who participates receives a Participant Ribbon!
  • Competitors in Children’s category who exceed expectations could be tapped to compete in the adult competition!

KITEMAKER AWARDS
Competitors’ Choice: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

MASTER KITEMAKER AWARDS
Competitors’ Choice: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

SPECIAL AWARDS
Costume
Ingenuity
Patriotic
Wittiest
Special Recognition Awards (as judges deem appropriate) - could include ‘most family members flying’, ‘most unusual’, ‘oldest kiteflier’, etc
Rokkaku
Hot Tricks Showdown
Ground Display


TOP PRIZES
Theme Award - Craftsmanship
Beauty in the Air
Grand Prize
People's Choice

  • Kites are flown in mass ascensions for 15 minutes, 10 kites or more at a time
  • Competitions are 10:30 – Noon and 1 – 2 pm; when not competing, kites can be flown on the demo field or displayed for close-up viewing in our “Kite Alley”.