Friday, May 21, 2010
About the only thing missing from Mill Creek MetroParks Farm’s annual Kite Festival was electricity.
The cold and overcast skies didn’t stop Valley kite flyers from turning out April 24 for the annual event. About 1,000 kite enthusiasts battled the rain to attend.
It was windy, too — the perfect ingredient for kite flying. As the skies cleared in the afternoon, more families showed up at the event. The theme for this year’s event was Flying Green.
Attendees flew their kites and entered their aerial objects into contests, which were offered through the Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites (OSEK).
Prizes were given out in several categories. Among the handcrafted kites, awards were given for the most artistic made from recycled materials, the smallest made out of recycled materials and the most innovative made out of recycled materials.
In the manufactured or store bought category, prizes were given for the highest flying, the longest tail made out of recycled materials and the best repaired old kite.
Many who attended brought their own kites, but those who came empty-handed were able to make their own. Over 100 kids made kites as part of the workshop.
There were also wind sprints for four age groups, starting with 4-6 year olds (parents are allowed to help).
The event also included vendors, refreshments, prizes, games and displays by Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites (OSEK) and Fly Pittsburgh kite clubs.