First Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival

Title: First Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Date: 3/25/1967
Description: The First Annual Smithsonian Kite Carnival (later referred to as the Kite Festival) took place on the National Mall on March 25, 1967. Individuals could compete in contests with homemade kites as well as ready-made ones. The festival also included kite-making workshops led by National Air and Space Museum curator Paul E. Garber, a lecture series, and a special display of kites made by Garber and his wife. The event was sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution for the first 44 years and became a part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in 2010.
Event Type: Cultural Gathering
Coverage: 1950-1979
Source: National Archives at College Park. View original.
Transcription: A unique Kite Carnival sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution brings out some 500 kits of all sizes and shapes. The announced purpose of the event: just for everyone to have a good time. Best made, highest flying, and best performing kites were chosen by a panel of 20 expert judges. Of course, not everyone could win. There was no age limit and certain contestants lacking size made up for it with boundless energy. Everyone knows a kite’s worst enemy is a tree, and for some of the unfortunates, a kite hospital on the grounds made repairs. The First Annual Kite Carnival is a huge success, and the kite flyers exist with a rallying cry: go fly a kite!