Kites large and small soared over Broadneck Park on Saturday for the first-ever Broadneck Kite Festival.

The festival doubled as a chance for the Friends of Broadneck Park, a community group started by Kara McGuirk-Allison, to spread the word about their effort to raise funds to restore the park's playground.

Local members of the Wings Over Washington Kite Club were there showing off their handling skills and professional kites. Dave Soutar flew a large kite with a 19-foot wingspan. It dwarfed other kites and looked like a manta ray with its streamers in the sky.

There was also a picnic on the grounds and refreshments served by Broadneck Area Youth Sports and Rita's of Cape St. Claire.

McGuirk-Allison said she hopes this is just the first of several events planned this year by the Friends of Broadneck Park, including a golf tournament in September.