All eyes will be skyward on Saturday, March 11, when the Pakistan Information and Cultural Organization (PICO) sponsors its 15th annual Kite Flying Festival, “Basant Mela,” in Fountain Park.

Admission is free from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Basant Mela” is celebrated at the end of winter in Pakistan, India and China to welcome spring.

This gathering is the state’s largest kite festival and a one-of-a-kind event where visitors can enjoy authentic Pakistani food, music, children’s activities, arts and crafts, henna/mehndi applications, jewelry and apparel.

The true stars of the day will be the kites, some imported from Pakistan and sold. Plastic kites also will be sold. Participants also can bring their own kites.

If you don’t know how to fly a kite, experts will assist novices in getting their kite in the sky.

Expert kite flyers will demonstrate three-kite fights as featured inm the Movie, Kite Runner, at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

Kites are normally one foot by four feet in diameter. Many come in various shapes, such as butterflies, airplanes and birds.

This year, organizers will collect clothing and toys for refugees.

For sponsorships and vendor booths, call 602-770-4066 or 480-586-1840.