One weekend a year the skies of Lyon Township are dotted with kites of all sizes, designs and flying abilities from professionals, amateurs and kids.

The 16th annual Lyon Township International Kite Festival is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 7 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 at James Atchison Memorial Park, 58000 Grand River. There is no admission cost. However, parking is $10 per vehicle. The money raised goes back to maintaining Atchison park.

Between 3,000 to 5,000 people from Canada and all over the U.S. typically attend the largest kite festival in Michigan. Free kites will be given to children 16 and younger until supplies last. Kids are also invited to use the provided art supplies to decorate their kites.

On both days, world-renowned professional kite flyers will awe the crowd with their flying, stunts, demonstrations and master command of remote controls. They delight spectators with choreographed performances set to music. Members from the Windjammers and Sky-FX Kite Teams are expected to attend as well as Pairs – Team SkyBurner, but you don’t have to be a professional to enjoy the chance to fly your own kite.

“The festival has been a family-friendly and fun part of this community for years,” said Jim Chuck, president of the Lyon Events Organization, the nonprofit that organizes the show. “You are mesmerized when you see these professionals fly to synchronization.”

“We continuously bring new and fun inflatable kites every year and this year is no exception,” said Jon Trennepohl, owner of Kites and Fun Things in Plymouth and festival exhibition coordinator.


What to expect

FREE kites (while supplies last) for people aged 16 and under (one per qualifying person). One of the highlights of the event is a candy drop at 2 p.m. both days.

“The candy drop is like Halloween in June,” Chuck said. “The kids love it.”

If you come hungry there’s plenty of festival food available. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the kites while listening to music from Cayla Stus, Bonnie & The Working Girls, and the Blaine Fowler Experience. You can also enjoy the Kilted Magician, and there will be animal acts and education as well.

In addition, there’s also a chance to learn about local businesses and nonprofits, who will have representatives available to explain what they do.

The event is backed by corporations, small businesses and individuals, who pay between $100 and $3,000 each. Go to lyonevents.org to sign up.

“Without the generosity of our businesses in the township we couldn’t do this,” Chuck said. “It’s because of them that we can offer this free event.”


Volunteers are welcome, and encouraged

Volunteers are another important part of the festival. As a token of appreciation, these people will get lunches and beverages.

“We can always use volunteers,” Chuck said. “They do everything that needs to be done from wiping tables, assisting vendors, helping with kite decorating and general cleanup. There’s something for everyone to do.”

Learn more about the Kite Festival by going to LyonEvents.org or check them out on Facebook @LyonEventsORG.