Unusually warm winter temperatures threatened to cancel the annual Kites on Ice festivities, but Madison residents will be able to enjoy the event this weekend, albeit at a new location.
Due to 40- and 50-degree temperatures in the Madison area last week, questions arose about whether enough ice would cover the lakes this weekend for the festival to continue as planned.
However, the recent cold front allowed more ice to form on the lakes and the event will take place.
Customarily, Kites on Ice events take place on the frozen Lake Monona. However, this year’s event is taking place at an entirely new location.
The event’s website, www.madfest.org, said the event will “be a split site connected by shuttle buses” this year.
Indoor activities like kite-making workshops, displays, silent kite auctions, booths, cafeterias and indoor flying shows will take place at Monona Terrace.
“The outdoor activities, such as team synchronized flying shows, single-line kites flown by guest kiters, aerial kite photographs, kite skiing, concessions, ice sculpting and sport kite lessons will take place at Olin Turville Park and the adjacent ice,” the website said.
Madison residents are fortunate the events were not cancelled but may alter their participation because of the warm weather.
“I am excited that the Kites on Ice events are still on,” said UW sophomore Carlye Greene. “However, I am a little apprehensive about going out on the ice to watch. I will definitely stick to the shore for this year’s events.”
As a special tribute to the Sept. 11 tragedy, Madison’s version of the Statue of Liberty was re-constructed Wednesday on a pond at the Alliant Energy Center because ice at Lake Monona proved too thin to support the structure.
The Alliant Energy Night Lights and Kites show will be held at the Olin Turville Park both Friday and Saturday. Fireworks will follow the show.
There will parking available for Kites on Ice at the Alliant Center, and at city-cashiered lots downtown. Free shuttles between the two locations are available throughout the day.
Admission to Kites on Ice is free, and the event will be held today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
