Let's Go Fly a Kite!

It was a welcoming of spring at George Mason’s Gunston Hall Saturday as the 33^rd annual Kite Festival took flight.

Families gathered on the open field that’s a part of Gunston Hall’s grounds, equipped with every imaginable shape and color of kite. Neon butterflies spiraled through the air behind realistic sharks and birds of paradise. Some parents and younger children lounged on a blanket with a picnic while others chased after fallen kites.

It may have been a little cold Saturday, especially compared to last year’s balmy event which boasted temperatures in the 70s and a crowd of 1,200, but organizers still expect the Kite Festival to be a soaring success.

“It’s a celebration of spring, although today is not exactly spring like,” laughed Susan Blankenship, the development coordinator for Gunston Hall.  “Kite flying is a very 18^th century activity. We suspect the Mason children flew kites in this very field.”

Those in attendance Saturday said the Kite Festival was the perfect excuse to frolic in the sunshine and try kite flying at an ideal venue.

“Just to come out, fly the kites, enjoy the outside,” said Lara Valosio who was at the Festival with her kids and father.  “We’ve tried kite flying at home and haven’t had a lot of luck.”

While kites were certainly the inspiration for the event, there was a lot to check out beyond the field.  There was a basket weaver on hand, a penmanship booth, a storyteller, bake sale, book sale and puppet show featuring Blackbeard the Pirate, among other things.

While the Kite Festival is designed to entertain, it was also created to educate people about Gunston Hall, the 18^th century and the Mason family.

“It’s so people go away with a better understanding of Mason and human rights,” Blankenship said.  “It’s one of our more lighthearted events.”

All the admission collected from the Kite Festival will be used to support educational programs at Gunston Hall.