Elmhurst KIte Festival will send you soaring

Historians may disagree about whether Benjamin Franklin ever conducted an experiment with kites to learn about the nature of electricity.

But kiting enthusiasts won't dispute that it can be electrifying fun to run across a field, string in hand, and feel the tug on the line as wind currents lift their kite.

In Elmhurst on Saturday, amateurs can rub shoulders with kite professionals, pick up a few tips and witness some pretty cool stunts at Kite Fest, an event sponsored by Elmhurst Park District from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Berens Park on the northeast corner of N. Oaklawn Avenue and W. Armitage Avenue.

“It is really a fun event. We have some pro-type fliers who come and do demonstrations with their exotic kites,” said Pat O'Neill, the park district's community events and development manager.

A team of stunt kite fliers known as 180 Go from Charleston, Illinois, will bring kites that are controlled with four lines and two handles and can be flown in formation and can go forward, backward, sideways or even spin or hover, she said.

Sport kite performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Kids who come to the fest can participate in an event at 11:30 a.m. known as bol races, she said, where kite strings are fastened around their waists.

“It's particularly cool for the little kids when they get it going,” she said.

There's no admission charge and no registration is required. Last year, the fest attracted about 1,200 visitors.

Visitors also are encouraged to bring their own kites and catch the wind during open fly times. Located on the city's north side, Berens Park is usually a good place to find a strong breeze or even gusts on a windy day.

“Hopefully we get a clear day that is windy,” O'Neill said. “If it's lightly raining, we'll push ahead. A lot of families bring picnics and sit on the ground and fly kites for a bit.”

The first 200 kids who arrive at Kite Fest will receive a free kite and there also will be instruction in kite building and how to maneuver them.

When candy starts falling from the sky at 12:30 p.m., it won't be from a piñata, but from candy-packed kites.

There also will be a 1 p.m. Hula-Hoop contest and a DJ. Several food trucks will be on site, offering barbecued dishes, cupcakes and tamales.

If you go

What: Kite Fest

Who: Sponsored by Elmhurst Park District

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5

Where: Berens Park, northeast corner of N. Oaklawn Avenue and W. Armitage Avenue, Elmhurst

Cost: Free

Info: epd.org