Professional kite flyers and amateurs of all ages will be in central Iowa today for the 7th Annual Kites Over Grinnell Festival . Sis Vogel helps organize the festival and says most of the events get underway at noon in Ahrens Park on Grinnell’s northeast side.
“There will be mega-kites, some over 180 feet long, aloft most of the day – along with probably close to 200 other kites in the air,” Vogel said. The activities include professional sport, trick, and indoor kite flying demonstrations, displays of handmade kites and kite building opportunities for kids. Vogel says the festival draws spectators and participants from all over Iowa and beyond.
“It has grown each year to the point where now we have 54 American Kiteflyer Association kite flyers coming in to visit Grinnell from nine different states,” Vogel said. The biggest selling point for the festival may be the admission charge…it’s all free.
Vogel says people only need to spend money if they choose to buy a kite or food from a local vendor. “We encourage people to pack a picnic lunch, bring a lawnchair and come have a free, fun day,” Vogel said.