The 1999 festival theme, “A Century of Flight: Looking Back,” celebrates the centennial of Orville Wright’s historic 1899 kite as well as the advances made in kite technology and design during the 20th century. The 1999 Festival will include a theme award; special consideration will be given to entrants in appropriate period costumes. A special award will also be presented to the handmade kite that best interprets the theme of the Festival (each kite entered in this category should be accompanied by a short written description, preferably submitted ahead of time.) The Smithsonian Kite Festival, a free event, was founded by aviation pioneer Paul E. Garber (1899-1992). Traditionally a part of the festivities at cherry-blossom time in the nation’s capital, the Smithsonian’s colorful Kite Festival is one of the most popular annual events held on the National Mall.