One of my favorite Austin events is this weekend, the Kite Festival! I thought I would be home with the new baby, but at this rate I may be able to go with Chris and Tallulah. As you can see from the above picture we went last year and it was a big hit.
There are big kites, little kites, homemade kites and professional kites. Here are a few quick tips to make your kite watching experience a little better.
- Parking around Zilker Park can be tricky (ever been to ACL?). I recommend riding the bus. That is what we did and it worked out quite swimmingly.
- Dress appropriately. It is March and in Texas that can be hot. Especially for little ones. Think sunblock, hats and maybe even some sunglasses.
- Pack your own snacks and plenty of water. I read horror stories of little ones and heat stroke so keep everyone cool and hydrated. Also you might pack a blanket to sit and have said snacks and water on.
- Bring your own kite. You don't have to be a pro to fly at the festival. In-between all the fun festivities like biggest kite you can sail your own.
- Strollers are fun, but kids will get sick of looking at people's butts and you might get sick of pushing it through a park with no trail. If you have a back pack the kids can get a better view. We found ours used for $15.
All that is left to do is make your own kite or head out to the hobby store and score yourself one. Remember this is not an activity only for kids. Chris and I had been long before Tallulah was a twinkle in anyones eye and had tons of fun.
congrats! hope you are all well!
ReplyDeleteLeel, I had to amend this post. I had written it awhile back and had it on a timer. Alas, I am still preggers. Due today, but that does not mean anything. Thanks for the well wishes, hopefully this week!
ReplyDeleteoh, technology, ha! Well, let's hope it's soon and as pain free as possible :) Extra good luck wishes!
ReplyDeleteWe at the Exchange Club of Austin are so pleased that you and your family had a wonderful time at our kite fest. It has really grown over the last few years and has almost taken on a life of its own. The pride we feel as the field fills with children, kites, and dogs is thrilling and everyone is pleasant, polite and has a great time. Our small 501(c)3 started this kite fest 83 years ago at the suggestion of Ed J StJohn, the president at the time. The first fest was held on March 10th, 1929 in Lamar Park. Many people think that this is a city sponsored festival, and though we are partnered with PARD for the use of Zilker Field, the Festival is owned and orchestrated by the Exchange Club of Austin. We are a civic organization with about 40 members. Any profits we make, and this year it looks as though we may go into the red, go back into the Austin Community to support many organizations that work for our National Mission "The Prevention of Child Abuse." We also support other community organizations such as SafePlace, Elder Care, the Boy Scouts, the Capital Area Food Bank and we give scholarships to kids with disabilities who have overcome tremendous challenges, excelled in school and are going on to higher education. We also recognize outstanding volunteers, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and special community heroes. So when you come out to the field to have a good time you are supporting your community. Thank you for your participation and please tell everyone you know that the Exchange Club of Austin is responsible for the Zilker Park Kite Fest.
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