Kite Fest returns to Elmhurst's Berens Park
Gusting, blowing or lightly breezing by, whatever wind conditions prevail Saturday, Aug. 10, the skies above Elmhurst's Berens Park will be dotted with kites, provided there is enough wind power to keep them aloft.
"We always hope for wind," said Kari Felkamp, Elmhurst Park District marketing and communications director, referring to the district's annual Elmhurst Kite Fest. "It's kind of hit or miss sometimes."
The first 400 children to arrive at the park for the event's 11 a.m. opening will receive a free kite, she said, along with supplies such as markers and glitter to decorate them before the kites are launched into the atmosphere. Participants are welcome to bring their own kites, too.
"Berens Park is kind of ideal for Kite Fest because it's a wide open space," Felkamp said. The park is located on the north side of town, south of Lake Street and east of West Avenue.
For those who would prefer to observe the airborne spectacle and simply relax on a summer day, the fest will offer several other activities.
There will be a life-size Connect Four game, along with a giant, wooden Jenga game, Felkamp said.
A Hula-Hoop contest will test participants' skill at keeping those plastic hoops in the air, face painters will be available and a DJ will provide music.
Food trucks, including one that features gluten-free fare, will roll in for the occasion. Offerings will include gourmet coffee, barbecued ribs and sandwiches, tamales, toasty cheese, ice cream and cupcakes, she said.
Extra picnic tables will be set up in the park for the event. Visitors may bring dogs, but the canines must be leashed.
The park is adjacent The Hub, the park district's recreation center. Felkamp said The Hub's batting cages, splash pad and mini-golf facilities will be open for business during Kite Fest. There is a charge for those activities.
Felkamp said the festival has been well attended since it started in 2014.
"There's a lot of fun, bright, colorful kites," she said. "It's a cool scene."