OSWEGO – Kites of all colors, shapes and sizes will dance over the grounds of Fort Ontario Sept. 8, at the annual Arts, Crafts and Kites Festival. Hosted by the Friends of Fort Ontario, the festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fort on East Fourth Street, Oswego.
Kite experts from around the United States and Canada, including noted Kite Historian Thom Shanken and NYKE (New York Kite Enthusiasts), will assist kite fliers of all ages and abilities with their kite flying.
Kites up to 450 square feet with 150-foot tails will be visible from miles around.
Micro kites, rotating box kites, shaped kites, balsa wood gliders, rubber band powered helicopters, parachute balls, and other nostalgic flying toys will be available for sale.
AmeriCorps staffers Ian Mumpton and Steve Woods will conduct a variety of historic activities and demonstrations for children as well as assist young kite fliers.
Candles, pottery, face painting, goat milk soap, jewelry, weaving demonstrations, and music will be featured.
A variety of food and refreshments will be available.
Inside the fort in the Enlisted Men’s Barracks, the Oswego Valley Railroad Museum will set up a display of trains.
The Museum Shop will be open for T-shirts, mugs, books, and other gifts.
Tickets for the fort’s annual Ghost Tours on Oct. 19 and 20 will go on sale at the Sept. 8 festival.
Admission to the festival is free, but normal admission fees to the old fort will be charged.
Fort Ontario State Historic Site is located at the north end of East Fourth Street in the city of Oswego.
There is plenty of free parking at or around the fort.
No public vehicle access to the parking lot overlooking the lake will be allowed as a safety measure for kite fliers and children.
For information on Fort Ontario, e-mail Paul Lear at [email protected]
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