Kay Petersen is praying for at least 20 mph winds April 30. That’s when the Zion Family Kite Fly takes place — and the windier the better for the kite flyers, she said.
Peterson, the superintendent of recreation for the Zion Park District, said she’s not the best kite flyer around — but plenty of others get their colorful paper flying machines into the air on the annual event held at Leisure Center Park.
At the free event, visitors can observe the antics of Chicago Kite, plus build their own kites and fly them.
“Chicago Kite brings huge kites — they’re just massive. One year they had a huge dragon. They put on a great show for the kids. You can see the big kites for miles. It’s pretty cool,” Petersen said.
The group does demonstrations such as kite flight wars, which the audience loves, she said.
“They’re really into it. They’re very professional. They don’t have time to chat. They’re really putting those kites up there and judging the wind. It takes a lot of work,” Petersen said.
“They also sell lots of kites. I’m always amazed. The parents are more excited than the kids. I don’t think kite flying is a lost art. People just don’t think about it.”
In fact, she said, during the event, people drive by, see the kites and run home to get theirs from the garage to come out and fly with the rest of the group.
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Those who don’t have kites can get free material to build it, grab some string and then send it soaring.
“I am surprised how many people came out here the first year,” she said. Last year, fewer people came because there wasn’t much wind, she said.
The park district started the event three years ago participate in the Illinois Flying for Kids program, to earn grants for special programs. For example, a healthy eating program was held for youngsters at the park district last summer, she said.
At the kite-flying event, the state offers car license plates with a special emblem. People can fill out a form to purchase the plates, and part of the proceeds will go toward park district programs, Petersen said.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
Zion Family Kite Fly
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30
Where: Leisure Center Park, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion
Tickets: Free, including materials
Information: 847-746-5500; www.zionparkdistrict.com