Jamestown03

Wings on Strings Kite Club held its 9th annual KiteFest on June 7th and 8th. A wet weather pattern had visited the North Dakota prairie the week leading up to the fly, so it was with fingers crossed and prayers to the powers that be that Mike Gee and Chris Dodson began welcoming flyers to Jamestown. Friday was spent hanging kites in the Bunker for the kite gallery. I was able to stay out of Mike's way enough to let him hang most of the art kites and Don Murphy & Betty arrived to lend their assistance as well. Betty, Don, Mike, Jerry Houk, and I had a yummy dinner at Grizzlies when the work was done and we all retired for the night with dreams of blue skies and fair winds dancing in our heads.

Saturday did dawn dry but cloudy and the winds throughout the day ranged from gusty...to light...to non-existent. Barb Meyer, Sharon Musto, Don and Alice Guick, and other mid-west flyers worked the wind the best they could to keep a ripstop filled sky available for the lighter than usual turnout of spectactors. We all flew what we could until the cold air funnel cloud was spotted off in the distance about 4:00 pm. With a rush, all kites were taken down, and safely stored in dry places. Dinner was provided for invited flyers at The Bunker. Good food, relaxing beverage, great friendship, and the usual number of kite stories (some true) were enjoyed by everyone. The evening ended with Sharon Musto and I beating Don Murphy and his partner at a game of pool. "Sharon, I'll be your partner for a game of pool anytime...you wield a mean stick!!!"

Sunday was a day every kiteflier dreams of...clear blue skies and a sweet steady wind all day long. The sky was fantastic and pulled visitors in off the highway just to check out the happenings. Slowly the sky emptied as the guests started to pack up for the journey home. Kitefest # 9 was a success. Hey, that means the 10th Anniversary will be held next year. You better get it on your schedule now, June 12th and 13th, 2004, is a party you are NOT going to want to miss. Thanks Mike and Chris for your hospitality.