Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet. But there’s more fun to be had on the ice – and even underneath it! Other fun family activities at the festival include ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, a kid’s medallion hunt and a marshmallow roast.

Festival sponsors include the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minnesota Kite Society, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association; People for Parks and the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council.

Minnesota Kite Society experts will demonstrate their skills maneuvering spectacular kites throughout the day, and offer their expertise to kite flying enthusiasts and to those who are new to the pastime. Bring your own kite, or buy an inexpensive one at the lake.

The DNR Ice Fishing Expo will teach kids ice fishing skills and safety tips; the DNR will provide all the equipment needed to participate.

The festival will take place on the north end of Lake Harriet near the Bandshell, located at 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway; admission is free. In case of extreme weather or poor ice conditions, the event will be re-scheduled for Jan. 16. More information call the Winter Kite Festival Hotline, 612-370-4948.