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GENERAL INFORMATION

DIRECTIONS

EVENTS CALENDAR

EVENTS Calendar

Eighth Annual Kite Festival

Saturday and Sunday
August 11 and 12, 2012
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kite-Flying Performances
and Kite-Making Workshops

In the meadow west of Evening Island, enjoy soaring stunt kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois.

These high-flying professionals demonstrate awesome feats of beauty and great skill. The Chicago Fire Kite Team has been competing and demonstrating team sport kite ballet and precision since 1986. Invited to kite festivals around the world, they have flown in front of friendly crowds in England, France, Japan, and Canada as well as the United States.

Walk or take the free tram to the festival. Ice cream, beverages, and many lunch options will be available for purchase on the West Meadow.

2012 Schedule of Events
All times and performances are subject to change. Food and beverages are available onsite.

11 a.m.	Festival starts
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Children's kite-making workshops
11:30 a.m. – noon	Parade of kiters and grand launch of performers' kites
11:45 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.	Kite demonstrations
1:40 – 2 p.m.	Kite performance
2 – 2:20 p.m.	Intermission and public fly time
2:20 – 2:30 p.m.	Kids' Mad Dash — The first 30 kids to sign up for the Kids' Mad Dash will receive a kite to build and fly in the competition. Register in the Gift of Wings tent between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or until registration is filled.
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.	Kite performance
3:30 – 3:50 p.m.	Intermission and public fly time
3:50 – 4 p.m.	Kite performance

Participants may bring and fly their own kites in the designated "Kite Festival" area between performances. Kids (big and little) can also make their own paper kites at workshops over the weekend from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kites will also be available for purchase at the Gift of Wings booth (Gift of Wings is a kite retailer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin). The free Kids' Mad Dash rewards the first kids to get their kites built and in the air. Preregistration is at the Gift of Wings tent.

Chicago Fire Performance	"Why to fly" with Kathy	Kids flying kites at intermission

outdoor activities
Close to the city, on Chicago's North Shore, the Chicago Botanic Garden has a year-round calendar of family activities and entertainment, including free kids' concerts, drop-in activities, plant giveaways, weekend family classes, and outdoor family entertainment, while also offering children the chance to explore outdoors. The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of Chicago's premier attractions, where visitors walk, enjoy nature photography, and celebrate each season with outdoor and indoor activities for families and kids of all ages.

The eighth annual Kite Festival is brought to you by the Chicago Botanic Garden,
the Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois, and Gift of Wings.