Visit the National Air and Space Museum's Family Day March 15th dedicated to Asian kites to inspire you to make your own kite for the Festival's competition. Attention aspiring poets of all ages! We are looking for talented young poets to compose poetry about kite-flying! Learn more! Kites were first introduced by the Chinese over 2,000 years ago, and kites have continued to play an important role in China ever since. The Chinese first used their kites in military affairs, but their influence gradually spread to other western countries to become a familiar artistic and cultural icon. This year, colorful, traditional Chinese kites will fly over the Washington Monument grounds, and we challenge you to create your own Chinese-inspired kite for our annual kitemaking competition. Special elements of this year’s festival include demonstration booths, displays of Chinese kite art, and a tremendous special opening ceremony. The festival will again feature hands-on activities led by representatives from kite organizations. Spectators can learn about kite flying, participate in kite-making activities, learn about the history of kites, and much more. As usual, the festival features three competitions. For those who build their own kites, you are invited to enter the handmade kite competition. Please click on “Festival Awards” to learn about our NEW format for the handmade kite competition. Teams may also enter into two additional heart-stopping events. The always popular traditional Rokkaku kite battle will be held at the end of the day. We are also excited to offer the fourth annual Smithsonian Hot Tricks competition. Kite flyers strut their stuff on the field while dazzling the crowd with trick kite moves. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Take Metro to the Smithsonian station or take Metrobus routes 30, 32, 34, 35, and 36.
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