For A Better Tomorrow

Kite Fest 2026 – Lost & Found

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Kite Fest 2026 and helped make it such a memorable day!

We’ve collected a number of lost and found items from the event. If you are missing anything, please take a look at the pictures to claim your item.

Items found include:

* Water bottles
* Jackets & hoodies
* Umbrellas

To claim an item, please message us with a description of the item and any identifying details. We’ll do our best to match it and return it to you.

Thank you again for your support and for helping keep our community spaces clean and organized!

Sometimes the wind doesn't fill your kite, but it teaches you how to fly differently.

That was the story of Kite Fest 2026.

The forecast changed. The rain came. Our carefully planned outdoor talent show suddenly wasn't possible. We had two choices: dwell on what we couldn't control or focus on what we could.

Our volunteers chose the latter.

Within a short period of time, they completely reimagined the event, moving the talent show indoors, adjusting logistics on the fly, solving one challenge after another, and making sure families could still create memories together. Most attendees never saw the countless decisions being made behind the scenes. They simply experienced a community coming together.

That is what resilience looks like.

A special thank you to our incredible volunteer leaders:

Sam Gurijala, Board Chair, for providing steady leadership throughout the event.
Rahul Varun Balivada, who led the entire event seamlessly despite having far fewer volunteers than expected.
Amar Karthik, who quickly reorganized and delivered a wonderful indoor talent show.
Deepak Maheshwari, who stepped in wherever needed—from games to countless behind-the-scenes tasks.
Mandava Rao, for coordinating with multiple stakeholders and keeping everyone connected.
Raja Ayyapusetty, for leading registration and ensuring a smooth experience for our attendees.
Venugopal Chintala, for coordinating kite sales throughout the day.
Tony Jones, our DJ, who quickly moved the entire sound system indoors and helped ensure the talent show continued without missing a beat.
Vishu Devari and Shriyans Gurijala for assisting with social media.
Srinidhi Gurijala and Laasya Appausetty, for offering Mehandi, temporary tattoos to attendees.

This event also wouldn't have been possible without the support of our amazing partners: Akruthi Collections, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, Citizens Bank of Chatsworth, Mana Badi, the Astronomy Club, Connect Transit, Bloomington Police Department, Normal Fire Department, and the Robotics Club.** Thank you for investing your time and energy into our community.

Despite the weather, an estimated 1,500–2,000 people joined us throughout the day. That wasn't because everything went according to plan. It was because people came together, adapted, and refused to let circumstances define the outcome.

Community isn't measured by perfect weather. It's measured by people who show up for one another when plans change.

To every volunteer, sponsor, performer, participant, and family who made Kite Fest 2026 special thank you. Your flexibility, patience, and positive spirit turned a rainy day into a reminder of what is possible when a community works together.

Resilience isn't about avoiding storms. It's about finding a way to soar together, even when the skies change. ❤️🪁

Do check the coverage from Kayla Johnson on News 25: https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/06/28/fun-filled-day-normal-even-if-weather-kept-kite-fest-2026-mainly-indoors/

🎉 **Kite Fest is happening RIGHT NOW at Grove Elementary!** 🪁✨

Come join the fun with an amazing **talent show 🎭, incredible canine performances 🐶, beautiful henna 🎨, exciting robotics 🤖, delicious food 🍿🌭, games, and so much more!**

Bring your family and friends and make some unforgettable memories. Don't miss out—we can't wait to see you there! 🎊

🎭 Kite Fest 2026 Talent Show Schedule is Here! 🪁✨

Get ready for an afternoon filled with incredible performances by talented kids and community performers! From energetic dance routines to vibrant cultural performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Grove Elementary School
🕛 Talent Show: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎉 Kite Fest: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📋 Please see the attached schedule for the performance order and plan your visit accordingly.

📢 Important Note for All Participants:
Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled performance and be ready backstage when your turn approaches. The program will move according to schedule, and performances may begin earlier if time allows. We encourage everyone to be prepared so you don’t miss your time slot.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy:
🪁 Kite Flying
🎭 Cultural Performances
🤖 Robotics
🔭 Astronomy
🎨 Face Painting
🍴 Food Vendors
🎮 Fun Games
…and many more exciting activities!

FREE Admission – Everyone is Welcome!

We can’t wait to celebrate a wonderful day of community, culture, and family fun with you!