SANTA MARIA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
HOSTS NEWEST CALIFORNIA KITE FESTIVAL

SANTA MARIA, CA Everyone already knows that fine wine meets world-famous barbecue in the Santa Maria Valley, where Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and other locally grown varietals offer a perfect match for the rich culinary traditions of this coastal region in northern Santa Barbara County.  But during National Kite Month this April, Santa Maria will start showcasing one of it’s other great assets—the wind—as The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum hosts the community’s first ever FREE Family Kite Festival on Sunday, April 18. 

The Santa Maria Valley’s culinary heritage dates back to the mid 1800s, when local rancheros would host Spanish-style barbecues each spring for their vaqueros, or cowboys. From this tradition was born Santa Maria Style Barbecue, which is founded on local ingredients and methods, and which can be today enjoyed at numerous local restaurants. It’s certainly no surprise why the valley is renowned as “California’s Barbecue Capital.”  Soon, though, perhaps it will be renowned as a kitefliers paradise! 

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s 1st Annual Free Family Kite Festival is sure to be a day of fun, learning and lots of activity.  Held in partnership with the City of Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department this FREE family event will be at the Rotary Centennial Park from 11 – 4 pm.  The Santa Maria Valley is known for its Springtime Wind which is ideal for growing the many crops that provide for the primary industry in the community and is great for kite flying!  The City of Santa Maria is blessed with a robust and active Recreation and Parks Department who provides many beautifully maintained parks and open spaces and always focuses on healthy outdoor activities, especially those that support healthy development in children. The physical and philosophical environment of the area might just be the perfect place for kite flying to really take off.  Because the area is perfect for kite flying, the Discovery Museum—a children’s museum established in 1996 with the mission to provide a “please touch” environment suitable for exploring ourselves, our valley, our world and beyond—wants to use kites and kite flying as a springboard for exploring design, wind energy, healthy exercise, and the family connectiveness that can come with simple outdoor pleasures like kiteflying.   

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Featured Kitelife Sponsor:

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The April 18th festival will start at 11 am with a Kite Tail Chase for children age 12 and under where prizes will be given to kids who can “catch” a kite tail.  Kite Tail Chases will continue throughout the day so there are lots of opportunities to win and participate.  At noon winners of the Most Beautiful Kite will be announced followed by a Family Free Fly at 12:30.  At 1 pm, the Sport Flying competition will begin with chances to display your talents as a kite flyer and kite acrobat.  The ancient art of “Rokaku,” or kite fighting, will be showcased at 2 pm followed by the remarkable Highest Flying Kite competition at 3 pm.  This day of fun will end with another Family Free Fly at 3:30 pm.  The festival is open to amateurs and professionals off all ages and you are encouraged to bring your own kite, buy a kite when you get there or just come to watch and be impressed.  Kids and families will also be able to learn to fly kites when you get to the event.  Food and refreshments will be available to purchase.

To celebrate National Kite Month, the Discovery Museum will feature a variety of events and programs throughout the month of April.  These programs include kite making, kite storytelling, and a kid-friendly discussion about aero-dynamics offered during the weekly “Twilight Thursday” programs that start at 5:30 each week.  Even the very young visitors can be excited about kites with each Wednesday’s “Pre School Patrol” program offering a craft or activity like making pinwheels or paper airplanes.  Also, as part of the annual “Museum Safari” on Sunday, March 28, visitors to the Discovery Museum will enjoy some kite demonstrations and the chance to make a kite.  Details on these, and additional, programs can be found on the Discovery Museum website at www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org. 

The Kite Festival is made possible by the support of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, the City of Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department, the Santa Maria Valley