Blossom Kite Festival

[1] The festival was founded in 1967 by aviation pioneer Paul E. Garber, the first curator of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM).

[2] However, an 1892 law that was still in effect barred the flying of kites, balloons and parachutes within the city limits of Washington, D.C.

In 1970, the Smithsonian Institution was therefore denied a permit to hold its annual kite flying carnival on the National Mall.

Participants were encouraged to create environmentally and thematically “green” kites from renewable resources such as bamboo and recyclable goods such as paper and cloth.

Events included the competitive Rokkaku Battle, Hot Tricks Showdown and Ground Display.

Adult competitors and a team of judges ranging from kitemaking experts to local celebrities to museum staff chose the winners of awards in each category.

[8] The first Blossom Kite Festival took place on the Washington Monument grounds on Sunday, April 10, 2011, following a postponent from March 27 because of forecasted inclement weather.

[12] The 2014 Blossom Kite Festival was originally scheduled to take place on the Washington Monument grounds on Saturday, March 29.