Posted on Feb 28, 2017 in
COMMUNITY CULTURE
The 2016 Cultural Kite Festival.
COMMUNITY CULTURE | By Zeenat Kassam Mitha –
The City of Sugar Land’s 9th Annual Cultural Kite Festival takes place in its new home at the Brazos River Park and Festival Site on Saturday, March 4th from 10 am to 2 pm. The festival will be filled with beautiful, unique kites as the City of Sugar Land celebrates different traditions and cultures.
Prepare to be entertained by a variety of cultural performances from local schools and organizations. Cultural food and beverages will be available for purchase. The new green space will include a cultural craft area, a kite-making workshop, kite flying lessons and a kite competition, a chalk art contest and cultural performances. All activities and entertainment are free and open to the public.
“We are eagerly planning a fun-filled day with kite flying, cultural performances, food trucks, interactive games and much more,” said Shondra Holmes, event coordinator for Sugar Land Parks and Recreation. “Grab your colorful kites and meet us out at the Brazos River Park and Festival Site on Saturday, March 4th!”
“The contests are free and open for everyone,” said Briana Bachemin, event production manager for the City of Sugar Land. “Bring your most creative kite, or get a team together and show your ingenuity through chalk.” First, second and third place trophies will be awarded for each kite contest. Chalk, tape, water and gloves will be provided on site to all who sign up. Certain areas will be sectioned off, and the ground will act as a canvas. Individuals can register online or during the event at the blue City of Sugar Land tent prior to each contest.
Historically, kites are said to have been invented in China, where materials were readily available. Sail material began with silk, and the flying line was made with high tensile strength fine silk. Bamboo was used for a strong, lightweight frame. The kite is claimed as an invention of Mozi, a 5th century B.C. Chinese philosopher, and Lu Ban, a Chinese carpenter, engineer and inventor. Paper kites were being flown by 549 A.D., when it was recorded that a paper kite was used as a message for a rescue mission.
Photos by Randy Kozlovsky.
Kites have also been used for measuring distances, testing the wind, lifting men, signaling and communication for military operations during ancient and medieval Chinese times. The initial Chinese kites were flat – not bowed – and often rectangular. Kites incorporated a stabilizing bowline and tail much later. Kites used to be decorated with mythological motifs and legendary figures. Some were fitted with strings and whistles to make musical sounds while flying. From China, kites were introduced to Cambodia, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and the Western world.
Once in India, the kite further evolved into the fighter kite, known as the Patang in India, where thousands are flown every year during festivals such as Makar Sankranti.
The 2017 City of Sugar Land Cultural Kite Festival Schedule:
|
Contest Category
|
Registration
|
Contest
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Awards Time
|
|
Largest Kite
|
10:00 am |
10:30 am |
11:00 am |
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Smallest Kite
|
11:00 am |
11:30 am |
12:00 pm |
|
Most Unique Kite
|
12:00 pm |
12:30 pm |
1:00 pm |
|
Highest Flying Kite
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1:00 pm |
1:30 pm |
2:00 pm |
|
Chalk Art
|
10:00 pm |
Through Event |
2:00 pm |
The Brazos River Park and Festival Site is located at 18355 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/kitefest or call 281-275-2885 for more information.
