Los Angeles State Historic Park (SHP) was the site of the fourth annual Community and Unity People’s Kite Festival on Saturday, May 11. Hosted by the cooperating association and State Parks partner Clockshop, the event attracted over 5,000 attendees for a celebration of multicultural kite traditions, the park was brimming with joy, color, and community spirit. The event was not only a visual spectacle but also a testament to the power of collective effort and community engagement.
The park was alive with families, young adults, and elders, all united by the simple yet profound joy of flying kites. As one participant beautifully put it, “It seemed almost every type of person could connect with the idea of a beautiful day of community in a local park admiring the beauty of a blue sky filled with kites.”
A highlight of the day was the Handcrafted Kite Competition, where Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CD34) had the honor of presenting awards to the winners. Among the Kite Competition winners included several residents from the nearby community, William Mead Homes, one of the first public housing communities in Los Angeles. The handmade paper kite station also received glowing feedback, with many participants appreciating the effort to limit plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
A key goal was to invite local communities to enjoy the park, value it, and become active in advocating for public lands and green spaces in our city. One participant noted the event’s “simplicity and artfulness,” praising the provided paper kites, while another highlighted the festival as “the perfect place to hold a kite festival” due to its accessibility and appeal to a broad audience.
The overwhelming sense of pride and community spirit at the festival was a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together. Many attendees felt a deep connection to the event and a renewed sense of pride in being Angelenos. Click here to view a recap of the event!
