Photo Gallery: All Things Bright and Breezy

Thousands blew in from all over the Bay Area Sunday and Monday to enjoy San Ramon's most popular event of the year, its annual Art and Wind Festival at Central Park.

The event, known for its impressive kite shows, drew national and even world kite flying champions, who demonstrated their professional kite flying maneuvers, beautifully choreographed to music.

Amateur kite enthusiasts also took advantage of the breeze to fly their own kites on the ball field. Kids learned how to make kites in a free workshop inside the community center, and then raced out to fly their creations in the amphitheater.

But the events wasn't just about kites. Kids and adults alike played laser tag and raced giant "hamster balls" on the tennis courts. Art and crafts booths sold everything from metal sculptures to golf club walking sticks to aluminum can airplanes. And musicians and dancers entertained the crowds all day long on three stages.

Probably the favorite event of the annual two-day festival is its hot air balloon launch, which took place early Monday morning in the field adjacent to Iron Horse Middle School.

"People don't often get the chance to get up close to the balloons like this," said Kim Giuliano, program manager for the San Ramon Parks and Community Services. She is responsible for adding the hot air balloon launch to the Art and Wind Festival back in 1998. Due to uncooperative weather conditions in the past, it's been four years since the last successful launch.

But the weather was perfect yesterday as hundreds of people came out with cameras, chairs, blankets, and breakfast to witness this rare and spectacular event.

"It's amazing," said Ben DePonceau, 10, of San Ramon. "One second they're right here, and the next second they're 50 feet in the air!"

Relive the Art & Wind Festival in Patch's photo gallery, which includes photos from the hot air balloon launch.