Highflying kites welcome spring

The next time someone tells you to "go fly a kite," it might not be an insult.

It just may be an invitation to the Wheaton Park District's annual Go Fly a Kite event, which each year sees families, enthusiasts and even some pros launch a colorful canopy of kites over Graf Park, 1855 Manchester Road, Wheaton.

"After the long winter, this annual kite event is the perfect way to kick off spring," said Kristina Nemetz, Wheaton Park District superintendent of marketing and special events.

"It's great to see kids of all ages, adults and grandparents outside enjoying flying kites or just taking in the scene of everyone else perfecting their craft."

Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Families can bring kites from home or shop at the small business expo.

While kite flying is welcome any time throughout the event, organizers said participants may want to plan for special events, demonstrations and contests during the day. For instance, the Grand Launch, to get as many kites into the air as possible at the same time, is at 11:15 a.m.

The Chicago Fire Kite Team performs at noon. The Highest Flying Kite contest is at 1 p.m., and the Most Unique Kite contest will be judged at 1:30 p.m.

Go Fly a Kite admission is free. Concessions will be available.

For information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/goflyakite or call (630) 510-5064.