Family Kite Festival attracts thousands, top 10 destinations for kite-flyers



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Memorial Day weekend is here and it's the unofficial kick-off to summer, which means there's plenty to keep you outside in the sunshine.

Out in the sun, looking up in the sky.

"It's really easy - especially if you just move with your hands a lot," said Elle Heisler, flying a kite.

13-year-old Heisler is out with her folks at the 27th annual Family Kite Festival in Veterans Park.

"It's just cool to see how you can move it and not just watch other people," said Heisler.

It's an event that attracts thousands.

"It's a great day to come to the lakefront and you know what? We deserve it," said Scott Fisher, event organizer.

Fisher is hoping for a little more wind for the two-day festival, but the temperature, the temperature is perfect!

"People are always fascinated with things that fly," said Fisher.

Fisher says the typical breeze off the lake helps make the park one of the top ten destinations for kite-flyers from across the country. That's the draw for Jon Penn from Michigan."

"This came out about three years ago," said Penn.

He's part of the Fabulous Windjammers Group -- controlling the pyramid racer without using strings, or for that matter, wind!

"Runs on a lithium-ion battery. It can fly for five to six minutes on a battery charge," said Penn.

The fun extends a little further down the lake-shore.

"We've got a bunch of great music - actually, there's a hootenanny starting in a few minutes. Anyone can join in," said John Jansen, executive director of Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee.

This is where the inaugural Gathering bu the Waters Festival is taking place. It's an effort to raise awareness about the group Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee. It's an organization that supports social justice, animal welfare, and environmental causes.

And when the temps are nice, it seems only fitting to try and give back.

"Sunshine and temperatures in the 60s and low 70s.  You can't get any better than that," said Jansen.

The Family Kite Festival will continue Sunday, May 25th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Veteran's Park.