Hamilton's Smart Papers LLC is supplying kites to 5,000 children in Washington this weekend for the Smithsonian Institution's 37th annual Kite Festival.

The premium paper-maker, which operates a former Champion Paper mill, is lead sponsor for the Smithsonian's kite fest, part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Smart this weekend is flying 10 grand prize winners in its national kite design contest to Washington, where their designs will be displayed along with 22 other finalists picked by a panel of judges. The colorful kite designs will be on display through the end of March at the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries building.

Graphic designers and students around the country submitted more than 500 entries, the company said. None of the 10 winners is from the Tristate.

As part of the kite festival on the National Mall, Smart will be handing out 3-foot "ready-to-fly'' kites to children Saturday.

Smithsonian officials said it was the largest kite distribution ever for the event.

Mike Boyer