Best Western's Travel Blog - You Must Be Trippin' - Let's Go Fly a Kite: Windy Weekend Fun

Let's Go Fly a Kite: Windy Weekend Fun

March 16 2009 by Julie Drossos

On a recent, warm and sunny day, a close friend and I decided to "try something new". We were told about a local park here in Vancouver - Vanier Park - which on a windy sunny day is often home to some high flying fun - kite flying! For me - someone who gets easily bored - spending a an afternoon watching these beautifully colored kites dance through the skies was surprisingly entertaining, exciting and relaxing all at the same time. I was impressed with the skill of the kite-masters, appreciative of their diligence and concentration, and I enjoyed the visual beauty of it all (I'll also shamelessly admit that I found it entertaining to watch some of the kites crash to the ground too). What I learned from chatting with others at the kite park is that kite flying is an age-old pastime with a strong following around the world.

Did you know that March 28 - May 3 is National Kite Month (don't worry, I didn't either)? In celebration of it, there are a number of Kite Festivals taking place that might be worth checking out for some windy weekend fun. Why not stray from your normal routine and do something different with a friend, or step outside the box on your weekend family outing and perhaps you and your kids might discover a newfound appreciation. A great perk is that most kite festivals are very affordable (if not free), making it a great option for an economical family outing.

Lincoln City Oregon Indoor Kite Festival
When: March 27-29, 2009
Where: Taft High School - 3780 SE Spyglass Ridge Drive, Lincoln City, Oregon
Cost: $2/person, or $5 for a family of 2 adults and children under the age of 15.

While this kite festival is actually indoors, it's an annual event and has always generated a lot of interest. Also a great option if the weather's not cooperating. I hear that this kite festival - one of the only ones of its kind (no wind, no breeze!) is very entertaining. Without the wind carrying the kites through the air, it's the motion and movement of the kite masters pulling their strings that keeps their kites airborne. They must constantly be moving - their arms, legs, hands...their entire bodies - a sight to be seen as the people doing this masterful maneuvering can be more of a blur than the kites they're flying. Often referred to, by repeat attendees, as somewhat of an acrobatic ballet, many of the participants use highly skilled techniques and dance movements, choreographed to music, making for a unique and memorable show.

For more information on the Lincoln City Oregon Indoor Kite Festival, visit the festival website; and if you're simply not into this more "new age" kite experience and want a more traditional outdoor kite festival in the area, mark June 27-28, 2009 on your calendar and plan to attend Lincoln City's Summer Kite Festival. Fun Fact: Lincoln City was named one of the "Best Places to Fly Kites in North America" by Kitelines Magazine.

Bond Park's 14th Annual Kite Festival
When: March 28, 2009
Where: Bond Metro Park - Multipurpose Field, Town of Cary, North Carolina
Cost: Free for all - participants and spectators!

The Town of Cary's 14th annual kite festival is geared towards kids of all ages. Expert kite flyers are on hand for stunt kite demonstrations. Kite flyers of all levels and abilities can come out and show their kite-flying talents off. With award categories like "most un-flyable kite" and "best crash", the event is lighthearted and fun.

Many of the participants proudly fly their own homemade kites. It's surprisingly easy to make your own kite. I've learned that the "sled-style" kite is the simplest to make, all you needs is a piece of paper and some string. A great craft activity for your kids - they can decorate the paper using their favorite colors and shapes. This site has instructions how to build a kite. For more details on the Kite Festival at Bond Park, visit the town of Cary's homepage.

Smithsonian Kite Festival
When: March 28, 2009, 10am to 4pm
Where: Washington Monument, Washington, DC
Cost: Free!

The 43rd Avenue Smithsonian Kite Festival is considered by many kite aficionados to be one of the most exciting and well-known kite festivals. It's an annual event where kite lovers compete for awards in over 36 categories, including aerodynamics, beauty and funniest. It's one of the most popular annual events in Washington, DC and participants and spectators flock from around the globe to be a part of it.

The beautiful setting and the sheer number of kites in this festival make it an awesome sight to be seen. You will see hundreds and hundreds of kites soaring through the air - small kites, big kites, animal kites, parachute kites, cartoon character kites, expensive professional kites, grassroots homemade kites, you name it.

For all the details you'll need to participate in or be a spectator at the Smithsonian Kite Festival, visit their website. If you want a better idea of what to expect at this festival - check out this clip I found on You Tube (I wasn't kidding about hundreds and hundreds of kites!)

Washington, DC is such a beautiful and educational place to visit, if you're thinking of taking a few days to enjoy the city, check out this Best Western property: Best Western's Georgetown Hotel & Suites. It's close by to the monument, as well as the White House and many other big attractions.

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