Mayor Daley’s Kids and Kites, May 3, 2008
For this event, the mayor’s office will be offering free kits for children to get creative -- they’ll design and build their own kites. Then the kite flying professionals on hand will help everyone send their kites soaring into the skies! If you can’t make it on May 3rd, never fear -- there will be an encore on October 4th!

Perry Farm Kite Festival, August 16-17, 2008
Mark this one on your calendar -- this event is in its 8th year and is better than ever. Like the other events, there will be kite-making classes and flying lessons. Unlike other events, this time you’ll get to see kite fights, in which stunt kites battle it out in the skies! Expect to meet up with champions such as Hot Rod Kites, Charlie Sotich and the Miniature Kite Master. This event is a guaranteed TKO!

Glen Ellyn Family Fun Fly, September 21, 2008
Full of demonstrations and stunts from the pros, this event boasts kites with 90 foot wingspans, family flying lessons and stunt flying lessons. You can bring your own kite or make one at the event -- so there’s no excuse not to be there!

Mary Poppins got it right when she encouraged the Banks family to fly their kites together -- so remember: With your feet on the ground, you (and your child) will “be a bird in flight, with your fist holding tight, to the string of your kite!”