Not all kites are created equal — there are single-line kites and dual-line kites, parafoils and deltas — but all sorts of kites will soar over Lake Michigan Oct. 1 when Chicago Kite brings the fifth annual kite festival to Waukegan Beach.
“It’s a great place to fly kites. It’s got the open beach with cleaner wind, and it’s not surrounded by trees,” said David Zavell, owner of Chicago Kite.
That gives spectators an unobstructed view of the sport kites, show kites and stunt kites of all different sizes and colors floating in the sky.
Zavell is hoping for 10 mph winds coming from the east for the best show.
The large show kites include three-dimensional sea horses, teddy bears, octopuses and other creatures.
“People just can’t believe they’re actually flying,” Zavell said. There are plenty of “oohs” and “ahs” from the crowd, he said, “and that’s satisfying.”
In addition, parafoil kites that look like a parachute with a long tail will take to the air during the festival
Six to 12 stunt kitesmen will be using dual-line kites where they can control their movements and make them look like the Blue Angels, Zavell said.
Spectators can relax on the beach and enjoy the spectacle in the sky, or they can bring their own kites or purchase some on-site to set in motion.
“The deltas and the parafoils are the simplest,” he said. “There’s no running involved. Just give it 20 feet of line and coax it up. If you’ve got good winds, it will stay up.”
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Though kite flying, which likely originated in China, is not a hugely popular sport in the 21st century, Zavell has stayed in business selling kites and running festivals throughout the U.S. for more than 25 years. He runs festivals on the East and West coasts where the winds are great, as well as in Alabama and Texas, plus an annual one in Chicago that attracts up to 10,000 spectators, he said.
Zavell runs kite festivals “to bring people together, families together. It’s a great way to get your kid out of the house. I’ve seen kids as young as 2 years old flying kites, with help from their parents.
“This is a great outdoor activity,” Zavell said, “and the wind is free.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
5th Annual Waukegan Kite Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1
Where: Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 E. Sea Horse Drive
Admission: Free
Information: 773-467-1428; www.chicagokite.com