HARRISBURG, PA (May 24, 2006)—Beginning Thursday, June 1, 2006 kites will take flight and soar as Whitaker Center hosts a grand opening and gala celebration officially launching KiteFest™, the summer-long exhibition and public art project.
The exceptional KiteFest Gala, sponsored by Hershey Trust Company, will feature large-scale fiberglass kites designed by local artists; a stunning collection of imaginative kites from around the world; an appearance by famous kite flyer, Benjamin Franklin, as portrayed by Robert Carrol; an eclectic sampling of world music and entertainment including a Mariachi band and a Sitar player, performances from the Chinese Cultural & Arts Institute and belly dancers; tastes of delightful international cuisine courtesy of Bangkok Wok, Cabot Cheese, Hilton Harrisburg, Benjamin Olewine III Culinary Program, Passage to India, Sapporo East, and Sophia’s on Market; and a sneak preview of Surf the Wind in Gloria M. Olewine Gallery. Guests will also have the opportunity to preview the large format film, Skyward, which explores the relationship between man, birds and the environment. Skyward will be playing continuously in Select Medical IMAX Theater throughout the evening.
“We invite you to celebrate one of the world’s more enduring media—kites,” said Byron Quann, Whitaker Center President and CEO. KiteFest is an exceptional coalescence of Whitaker Center’s mission to foster science, arts, cultural and educational activities while contributing to the region’s civic and economic vitality.”
Tickets for the gala preview are $100 per person and can be purchased through Tuesday, May 30th by calling 717-221-8201 x2509.
KiteFest and Surf the Wind are presented by Capital BlueCross, sponsored by M&T Bank with media sponsor The Patriot-News. Surf the Wind will be on exhibit in Gloria M. Olewine Gallery at Harsco Science Center June 3- September 4, 2006.
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is located at 222 Market Street in downtown Harrisburg. For additional information about Whitaker Center, please visit www.whitakercenter.org or call (717) 214-ARTS.