Berkeley Kite Festival This Weekend

gets off to a running start Saturday at 10 a.m. at the marina, and the police department wants you to be prepared.

The festival is at the marina's Cesar E. Chavez Park, on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature kite making for kids, kite flying teams, stunt flying lessons and more, according to the schedule.

"It has grown in popularity, thus the parking lots are generally full before 1 p.m.," the police department said in a statement. Police encourage residents to walk, ride bikes or take a free shuttle from the North Berkeley BART station or 4th Street near Spenger's to the festival.

Police also warn drivers to plan ahead for a traffic jam on the way out of the marina around 5 p.m. "We appreciate your respect and patience during the exodus and please listen to the officers' guidance," the statement said.