Wheaton sets sights on kite record
Organizers of Wheaton's next sesquicentennial activity are aiming high.
In fact, they are hoping a kite-flying event Saturday at Graf Park earns a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for most kites flying at one time in one location.
All they need is for the weather to cooperate and for nearly 1,000 kite-toting participants to show up.
"What we would really like is just a nice, sunny, breezy day," said Anita Warren, a member of the Wheaton Sesquicentennial Marketing Committee.
Warren came up with idea for the Go Fly a Kite 2009 event as a unique way to help celebrate Wheaton turning 150 years old.
"We've tried to have fun, different activities each month," she said. "I thought. 'Why not do a kite flying event?'
"The whole idea was to make it so the entire city of Wheaton could participate - from the little kids to the seniors," Warren added. "It's a very simple, happy, carefree activity. And it's something families can do together."
Anyone can participate in the free event, which is co-sponsored by Wheaton Park District and Impress Printing. While people are welcome to bring their own kites, commemorative sesquicentennial kites are available for purchase for $3 each at several park district locations, including the Blanchard Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, and Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave.
Check-in for Saturday's event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the park, which is located along Manchester Road. The plan is to have the kites in the air by 11:15 a.m. All the kites must be in the air for about one minute to break the record.
"You can be from anywhere to participate," Warren said. "In fact, I let some of my kite friends know about it and they are not from Wheaton."
Organizers will need all the help they can get. The current Guinness world record for most kites flying in a single location is 967. That was set in Germany in August 2008.
More than 40 volunteers will be needed to help monitor the attempt to break the record. So far, volunteers include school principals, church officials and youth group members.
"We're kind of getting everybody involved," Warren said.
Graf Park was selected because it has ample parking with Monroe Middle School and the DuPage County Fairgrounds nearby. The park itself covers more than 23 acres.
"Go Fly a Kite is a great way to showcase Wheaton's crown jewel, her award-winning parks that have been central to the fabric of life in Wheaton for many years," said Mike Benard, park district executive director.
Future sesquicentennial activities include a Poetry in the Park event in June. The yearlong celebration will conclude with the Fourth of July parade. For more information on Go Fly a Kite, visit www.wheaton.il.us/150.
If you go
What: Go Fly a Kite 2009
Who: Roughly 1,000 kite-toting participants
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18
Where: Graf Park along Manchester Road near the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton
Why: Hoping to break the Guinness Book of World Records for most kites flying at one time at one place
Info: www.wheaton.il.us/150