These Birds Need a String to Fly

If there’s a higher purpose of this nouveau depression, perhaps it’s to inspire us to appreciate the simple pleasures. If so, this Sunday distract yourself from your money woes by frolicking along a beach with a colorful, streaming kite soaring above you in the salty ocean air. And you can fly your colors free of charge and in the company of other carefree kite runners. Just steer clear of the seagulls.

Notorious for being one of the most popular clothing-optional beaches in the nation, Haulover Park (10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) will host the 16th annual Kite Day Festival, complete with flying competitions and paper-kite-making classes. Kids can also forage for candy that will be dropped piñata-style from high-flying confections. Heads up when you throw your cares and a nylon puppy dog into the wind! And for all of you eco-heads, what better way to celebrate wind power as an alternative energy source than by coloring the sky with something you made in your kitchen? You can BYO kite to the festival or buy one on-site. The high-flying fun takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Visit miamidade.gov/parks.
Sun., March 8, 2009