High above the hustle and bustle of midtown, a sea of colorful kites framed the Manhattan skyline.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Fashion Center Business Improvement District (BID) hosted “Kite Flight,” an event that transforms the roof of Port Authority Bus Terminal into an artistically-inspired space. On Sunday, September 18, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Seth Diamond accompanied approximately 100 children from four City shelters to participate in the event, joining the ranks of hundreds of other kids from the community.

"It's not every day that you can fly a kite in the middle of Manhattan," said Commissioner Diamond, who had his own son, Zachary, by his side. "This event consistently proves to be an afternoon of great fun for so many children, including those in City shelters. DHS is proud to have been a part of Kite Flight each September since its launch seven years ago."

Although making and flying are always at the center of this now annual tradition, a variety of art workshops were also offered to participants, in addition to live music, yoga demonstrations, circus performers, face painting and refreshments.

Because the event is often the first opportunity for many New York City-raised youngsters to try their hand at kite-flying, kiting experts made themselves available to provide tips and pointers, and help the kids’ creations get airborne.

"Look at me, look at me!" one little girl yelped excitedly, as she took off running with her kite soaring above her. For the majority of children, simply seeing their kites dancing in the sky was the most exciting aspect of the day.

Comprised of a network of 62 business improvement districts, the Fashion Center BID aims to sustain and improve the vibrancy and vitality of Midtown Manhattan’s Fashion District. The BID covers the areas between Fifth and Ninth Avenues, from 35^th Street to 41^st Streets.

This year, as in the past, the attendance of shelter groups was coordinated by DHS’ Office of Communications & External Affairs.