American Kitefliers Association

Hi everyone,

Here's a couple of updates for you! . . .

*  this year's theme is "Movie Great's", i.e, movie stars, characters or a movie as a whole, so be sure to get dressed up as your favorite Movie Great for the banquet!;

*  one of our guests this year is Sam and Cari King from Washington who will be facilitating two workshops - one in the a.m. for kite flyers and another in the p.m. for the general public.  Be sure to stay tuned for times and workshop descriptions so you can join in!  Sam and Cari are coming to you via a joint sponsorship between the South Jersey Kite Flyers and Sky Festival Productions.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Warmly,
Beatrix

Wouldn't Sam and Cari be TWO of the guests?  ;-)

Hi folks,

Here are a few updates for you . . .

Re registration:
Without further adieu, attached please find the registration form for this year’s festival!  The registration form will also be posted on the Sky Festivals web site soon (technical difficulties are preventing me from posting it immediately) and is being sent to all of the east coast kite clubs.  PLEASE NOTE, the pre event deadline date for me to receive your completed registration form is Saturday, May 14.

Re large inflatable kites:
Mike Agner has once again graciously accepted the role as Field Coordinator for the large kite field (special thanks to Dave Gomberg for stepping in to Mike’s role last minute last year).  While Mike will be reaching out to those he knows will be in attendance, please feel free to contact him directly via email at earthworx@ec.rr.com to begin communications on this year’s theme, what you’ll be flying, etc.  Safety and having a great time is our first concern.  Thanks Mike!

Re what’s new this year:
Scott Koenig will be facilitating a new event this year, an Indoor Mega Fly!  There will be practice sessions throughout the weekend with a performance on Monday following the World Indoor Kite Competition.  A description is included on the registration form as is a check box / line for you to select your desire to participate.  Participation is at no charge.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Scott directly at koenigs@mail.etsu.edu.  Thank you Scott!

Until the next update, be well and let the count down begin!

Warmly,
Beatrix

Hi everyone,

FYI, the WIKF registration form is now available for download on the Sky Festivals website under the "Events" page.  Don't forget, pre registration expires on May 14 !!!

Thanks so much and looking forward to seeing you all in 5 weeks!

Warmly,
Beatrix

Can not wait!!! SJKF this year is helping bring Sam and Cari King in to Wildwood, it will be  great.
Good winds... Mike

Hi Mike , Thanks go to SJKF for the wonderful assistance bringing in the King's.  I've met them and have seen Sam and Cari's kite work ,they are both award winners in AKA kite making competition. Looking forward to seeing them again. Oh, BTW Sam is President of the Fort Worden Kite Makers Confrence ask him about the Fort's great workshop . Hey, and don't miss the King's workshop in Wildwood.

CLIFF

Hi folks,

Well, we’re three weeks away (gulp!) from the event and here are a few updates . . .

*  the purpose of the “Learn To Fly” field has been for newbie’s to obtain instruction on learning how to properly fly a kite (and help to keep our sport alive).  It has been a bit of a struggle to man that field and has primarily fallen on the manufacturer’s reps.  I am reaching out to all of you to see if anyone is interested in assisting with this aspect this year.  Coverage is needed on Sat & Sun only from approximately 9:00am – 4:00pm.  It can be for as short or long of a time as you’d like and any time you can give would be very much appreciated.  Please email me directly at bpelton@SkyFestivals.com if you can spare some time. 

*  NEW to this year’s “Movie Greats” themed banquet, in place of a short movie presentation we will be engaging all of you in a Movie Greats game!  No worries, we’re not going to make you get up in front of the crowd and do something silly, though you will need to network within the crowd and exercise your memory! 

*  field usage for the Rev flyers will be the same as last year; your flying day will begin in Field 2 (center East field) while activities are taking place in Field 1 (center West field).  The second half of the day the Rev flyers will have Field 1.  Please consult the on-site program in your registration packet OR check with the sound tent to see when the exact time for switching fields will take place each day (as of this moment, it’s around the 12:30pm time frame).

*  while the registration form does not state so and with regards to those participating in the ECSKC, please note that we have added the competition category OMPB.  If you would like to participate in this event, please write it in on the registration form being sure to include your partners name.  The cost is $15 and only one of the pairs needs to pay.  Day and time of category TBD on site.

Well, that’s it for now though I’m sure as we get closer there will be some more news.  I hope you’re all doing well and I look forward to seeing you soon!  Woo-hoo, let’s start getting those kite bags packed!!!

Hi all,

I’m pleased to report to you a couple of additional exciting things that are taking place this year! . . .

One of the true pleasures of the weekend is seeing kids and their parents participate in the Running of the Bols – it’s always great to watch and get a laugh from.  Well, now you too can participate – just as the ECSKC has had the club “cup” bragging rights, new and up for grabs this year is club bragging rights for the Running of the Bols – Kite Club! 

The event will take place on both Sat & Sun and at this moment in time is scheduled for 12:30pm each day on Field 1 (immediately preceded by the Running of the Bols – Kids and Running of the Bols – Adults).  Thom McAdams of SJKF is spearheading & facilitating this event – thanks Thom! – and his plan is to have a measured course with about four individuals per heat from different clubs racing at the same time, for each of the two days.  Times will be kept as well as whom crosses the finish line first.  At the end of Sun’s race, each clubs times and what place each club has taken will be tallied and the “bragging rights” as well as a certificate will be awarded.  Please note, the race is open to individuals near / over the age of 18 (no young kids, please) and is free of charge. 

I know there are plenty of clubs out there who attend the event and it would be a blast to see you all participate – and who knows, if I get a chance to breathe, you might just find me participating in the race.  Hmmmm, who else can we coax to get on board???!!!  Let the club team building begin; get your Bol game on, and may the best club win!


One of the most amazing things to catch every year is the Fri night kite show.  This year we’ll be stepping it up just a bit with the addition of Nocturnal Sports, a “Nite Kite” company who will be on the field with us with their lighted kites.  Nocturnal Sports’ Nite Kites incorporates state of the art lightweight illuminated light strips installed directly on the kite.  There is no need for clip on LED lights or the use of a spotlight or strobes.  Along with all of the other night kite flyers, this year’s night fly promises to be even more spectacular!

Lastly, don’t forget to get those registration forms in, we’re less than two weeks away from the event and they must be mailed by this Saturday, May 14 for pre-registration!

Thanks so much everyone and we’ll see you very soon!!!

Made my reservations.  Mailed my registration.  Looking forward to it.

Is there a schedule of the workshops?