(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Hundreds of colorful kites will once again fill the skies above Kenosha’s lakefront next weekend as the annual Outta Sight Kite Flight returns to Kennedy Park for its 23rd year in the city.
The free family-friendly event will take place Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 4051 Fifth Ave. Organizers expect thousands of visitors to attend the two-day festival, which has become one of Kenosha’s most recognizable summer traditions.
One of the event’s signature attractions is the Zeigler Hyundai Grand Launch, scheduled for noon both days. During the launch, organizers expect 400 to 500 kites to take to the air simultaneously, creating a colorful display over Lake Michigan.
Visitors will also be treated to performances by several internationally known kite-flying teams and performers. The Fire & Ice Precision Kite Team is returning for its 17th year and will perform three times daily. The American Dream Team will bring back its giant whale kites while also debuting a new 120-foot Trilobite kite and showcasing the festival’s exclusive IKEA Giant Kites.
Other featured performers include Milwaukee professional kite flyer Paul Koepke, Vancouver’s Jim Almas, Montreal’s Jean Lemire and The Flying Emus. Lemire is expected to attempt flying three to four stunt kites simultaneously while choreographing the performance to music. Amy and Connie Doran, known for appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” are also scheduled to entertain festivalgoers throughout the weekend.
Families with children will have opportunities to participate in two special events each day. The Leaf Guard Kids Mad Dash is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., while the Kids T-Fiber Dash will take place at 4 p.m. The first 100 children participating in each event will receive a free kite and launch them together as part of a group flying experience.
Food and kites will be available for purchase during the festival. Admission is free.
The event is presented by Gift of Wings and the City of Kenosha and has become a staple of the city’s summer festival season, drawing kite enthusiasts and families from throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
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