The skies over Cape Henlopen State Park will once again be filled with colorful kites as the Great Delaware Kite Festival celebrates its 57th anniversary on Friday, April 18th.
This beloved annual event, co-sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, promises a day of excitement for families and kite enthusiasts of all ages.
A Day Full of Activities
The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with kite competition registration, allowing participants time to practice before the contests begin.
An Easter egg hunt, featuring 5,000 candy- and toy-filled eggs, starts at 11 a.m. and is open to children ages 12 and under. The Easter Bunny will also be on-site to join in the fun.
Kite competitions for children and teens are scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., with the highest kite competition open to all ages starting around 1 p.m.
The adult competitions will take place later in the afternoon, concluding with an awards ceremony.
Competition Categories and Special Awards
The kite-flying contests are divided into three age groups:
- Children (12 and under)
- Teens (13-17)
- Adults (18 and older)
Participants are judged based on whether their kites are homemade or store-bought. Special Class awards include categories such as Best Individual Ballet Performance, Precision Flying, Highest Kite, Youngest and Oldest Flyers, and Smallest and Largest Kites.
Event Logistics and New Location
Due to previous weather-related cancellations, the competition site has been moved to the east end of the parade field to ensure better conditions.
Food trucks will be stationed on the old tennis courts, with picnic tables nearby, and various vendors will be set up throughout the event area, offering delicious food and festival merchandise.
Parking will be available at the beach lot, with free Jolly Trolley transport shuttling attendees to and from the festival grounds. Standard vehicle entrance fees apply: $5 per vehicle for Delaware residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good parking spot and make the most of the day.
For those who do not have their own kites, local vendors will be selling a variety of kites on-site, with space available for practice before competitions. Additional activities include face painting, live entertainment, and community organization booths to browse in between all the day’s scheduled events and competitions.
With free admission to all activities, the Great Delaware Kite Festival offers a fun-filled day for the whole family. Whether competing or simply enjoying the multitudes of kites taking air in the skies, attendees can look forward to a vibrant celebration of creativity and skill.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience one of Coastal Delaware’s most beloved spring traditions! Follow our blog for more updates on exciting events happening throughout Coastal Delaware!
Source: Cape Gazette