Summer Kite Festival
International kite fliers gathered at the D-River Wayside on June 22 & 23 for the 29th Annual Summer Kite Festival in Lincoln City, a celebration of both professional and leisure kite fliers with some of the most colorful big “show kites” in the world. An estimated 17,000 spectators visited the festival throughout the weekend, but that does not account for those that arrived via the beach.
The featured fliers at the festival demonstrated their flying skills throughout the weekend. Team iQuad put on several spectacular shows including a farewell performance as this festival marked their final appearance in Lincoln City. Having performed together for the past 7 years, Team iQuad will be going on hiatus beginning in September 2013. Spectators also enjoyed performances from other kite flying groups including Island Quad and Team Suspended Animation. Connor Doran, contestant on America’s Got Talent 2010 put on a wonderful show with his Rev quad-line kites. Penny Lingenfelter dazzled with her many character performances and costumes, and gave the kids a chance to shine!
Dave & Susan Gomberg, Phil & Barbara Burk, Barry & Susan Tislow, Dale Ray and others got the “big” stuff in the air on Sunday when the wind finally picked up. Local flier, Ken Tumminia organized a Teddy Bear Drop where stuffed animals were sent up a kite-flown line and released by parachute to the ground for children to try and catch. Lindsey Johnson and Rhonda Brewer of Phantom Star Designs led on-site kids kite making workshops.
The 2013 Kite Festival theme “Tales of Tales” was seen throughout the 2-day festival highlighted by a variety of kites sporting tails, including, giant cats, sea life, kite forms and most noticeably the pod of life-sized gray whale kites that adorned the sky. Team iQuad and Island Quad also added to the fun by strapping on tails to their sport kites during their demonstrations and performances. Spectators shared their favorite kite tales for a chance to win a giant signature Lincoln City glass float.
Don’t miss the 35th Annual Fall Kite Festival October 5 & 6, 2013 at the D-River State Wayside. It’s designed to be a wonderful experience for the entire family with our theme “Tales of Tales”! Anticipated events include, Running of the Bols, kite making workshops, kids kite making, kids parade, kite flying demonstrations, and more!
Submitted by: Scott Humpert
