Kites, and spirits, were soaring at Cary’s Kite Festival. Check out these photos from the event, taken by Cary Magazine’s own Jonathan Fredin!

Somehow you just know it’ll be a fun event, when the day includes a contest for Best Crash.

Crash or no crash, kites unfurl and take to the winds this weekend as Cary’s Bond Park hosts the annual Kite Festival on Saturday, March 22 beginning at 12:30 p.m.

There’s fun for kids of all ages at this free fest, from an expert kite flyer offering stunt kite demonstrations to more than a dozen high-flying contests, including Oldest (and Youngest) Flyer, Quickest Take-off, Best Homemade Kite, Most Generations Flying a Kite, and even Best Tangle.

Need a little help getting off the ground? No problem!

Sign up for a pre-fest kite-making class set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, by registering at townofcary.org or at any Town of Cary staffed facility.

Two classes are offered: Ages 3 to 5 with caregiver, and ages 5 to 11; both classes will be held at Bond Park Community Center.

Once your kite is ready to soar, head on over to registration for the kite contests at 12:30 p.m.

Non-award kite fliers and spectators are welcome too!

The official countdown to start for all kite flyers takes place at 1:15 p.m., with award winners announced at 2:30 p.m.

Free fun, fresh air and kites to chase — spring is in the air!

For more information on Cary’s Kite Festival, visit townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4100.