Neighbor News
Cherry Blossom Kite Festival Brings Community Together Through Shared Values on the National Mall
Family-friendly exhibit combines kite-flying, hands-on activities, and practical tools for positive living in Washington, DC
Washington, DC — March 28, 2026 — As kites filled the sky above the National Mall during the annual Cherry Blossom Kite Festival, families gathered not only for recreation, but also for an experience centered on community values and positive living.
Hosted by the Way to Happiness DC Chapter, the exhibit offered a blend of hands-on activity and practical ideas aimed at strengthening individuals and neighborhoods alike.
Visitors were welcomed into a family-friendly setup featuring two interactive stations: one where attendees could sign up to borrow kites for 30-minute flight sessions, and another where children could decorate and take home their own kites. The activities created a steady stream of participation throughout the day, with parents and children alike engaging in both creativity and outdoor fun.
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Each visitor also received a complimentary copy of The Way to Happiness: A Common Sense Guide to Better Living by L. Ron Hubbard, a nonreligious guide built on 21 precepts designed to encourage ethical decision-making and personal responsibility.
A Continuing Effort in the Nation’s Capital
The activity reflects an ongoing initiative led by Kim Bey, Executive Director of the Washington, DC chapter of The Way to Happiness Foundation. Since 2022, similar kite-based outreach efforts have been conducted annually.
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Bey’s work has been featured in the Scientology Network’s series Voices for Humanity, which highlights individuals working to improve conditions in their communities. Her efforts focus on distributing The Way to Happiness throughout Washington, DC, with the goal of addressing social challenges through education and personal responsibility.
In a city where crime rates have remained a concern—reported at more than twice the national average—initiatives centered on community engagement and values-based outreach have aimed to contribute to positive change at the grassroots level.
Community Engagement Through Simple Actions
Throughout the festival, families lingered at the exhibit—some returning for additional kite flights, others taking time to discuss the ideas presented in the booklet. The approachable format allowed participants to engage at their own pace, whether through activity, conversation, or quiet reflection.
The Cherry Blossom Kite Festival, long recognized as a celebration of spring and creativity in the nation’s capital, once again provided a platform for connection. This year, alongside the colorful display overhead, it also highlighted how small, practical actions—shared values, thoughtful choices, and community involvement—can ripple outward.
More Information
More information on the Way to Happiness can be found at scientology-washingtondc.org/how-we-help/way-to-happiness/
Contact
External Affairs Director - externalaffairsdc@scientology.net
