This year’s cherry blossom kite festival, held annually within the National Cherry Blossom Festival, was an extra special outdoor celebration as it has been 100 years since Japan gifted cherry blossom trees to the United States.
Thousands gathered on the breezy National Mall to have picnics and fly all sorts of kites. Expert kite fliers and kite makers showed off their skills in the various competitions the festival holds.
One father said he hadn’t flown a kite since he was 12 years old. He was so mesmerized and enjoying the experience so much that he nearly forgot that his daughter was anxiously waiting for her turn.
The festival concluded its competition and awards ceremony with a 100-kite arch, constructed and hand-sewn by members of the Maryland Kite Society. They flew with ease.