Mayor Announces "Kites on the Green" Kite Festival

At Monday night's City Council meeting, Mayor Paula Dierenfeld announced plans for "Kites on the Green" planned for Saturday, May 3. Mayor Dierenfeld also signed the proclamation below:

PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 8 as KITE FLYING DAY

Whereas, February 8 is recognized internationally as Kite Flying Day. While the origin of the day is unknown, it likely began in South America where kite flying festivals are held every year at this time. Chances are few people in Iowa will brave the snow and cold this Saturday to go outdoors and fly a kite, and

Whereas, people around the world have enjoyed flying kites for thousands of years. Kites were first used by the military in China over 3,000 years ago. Over the centuries, kite flying has grown to become a quintessential part of our American culture, and

Whereas, Benjamin Franklin was perhaps the most well-known kite flyer in America. He flew a kite in a thunderstorm and discovered electricity. Ben literally got a charge out of flying kites, and

Whereas, kite flying is family friendly, healthy, educational, outdoor-oriented, and just plain fun. It’s an ever popular activity for children and adults alike, and

Whereas, even to his own amazement, Charlie Brown was able with “a little more speed, little more rope, little more wind, little more hope” to get his “stupid kite to fly.” And so….
On Saturday, May 3, the first annual “Kites on the Green” kite festival will be held in Johnston on the lawn of the Johnston Public Library. It will be a day filled with family friendly activities, kite flying contests and demonstrations, musical entertainment, and more.

Leading up to the “Kites on the Green” festival, workshops will be held to teach all the Charlie Browns among us how to build our own kites and to fly kites of every kind. A poetry contest and other activities featuring the joy, beauty and sport of kite flying are also being planned.

Now Therefore, I, Paula Dierenfeld, Mayor of Johnston, on behalf of the City Council call upon all Johnston residents, young and old, to mark your calendars and prepare to participate in this truly spectacular event that will happen in our community on May 3. Let’s all plan to get out and fill the Johnston sky with a rainbow of colors during our first ever Kites on the Green kite festival.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Johnston to be affixed this 3rd day of February 2014.

More information to come very soon on registration, workshops and more!