While there’s still more than a month of winter left, kite flying enthusiasts from all across the region are gathering this weekend on the ice of Clear Lake to launch their colorful crafts in the chilly breeze. Larry Day is one of the organizers of the 7th annual Color the Wind Kite Festival, which he says is a good way to whip cabin fever.
Day says, "At this time of the year, people are looking to get outside. It’s been a long winter. By the time February rolls around, we get a little milder temperatures. That’s why we do it at this time of the year, also, when we’re out on the ice and the snow, there’s a lot of color and the kites show up really, really well. It’s quite a spectacle." He is expecting kite fliers from at least eight states to be at the festival, in addition to hundreds of spectators.
There will be a stunt kite routine performed to music by a couple from Wisconsin and Illinois. Another feature is a kite-making class, especially geared for kids. Day says some of the "show kites" are 20 and 30-feet tall and beautiful to see, especially against the white of the snow-covered frozen lake. He says wind is, of course, important for being able to fly kites, but there’s also too much of a good thing.
Last year’s strong winds forced many of the big kites to be grounded. He says they need winds under 20 miles an hour. The festival is Saturday from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. with the choreographed kite shows at noon, 1:30 and 3. Individuals are also welcome to bring their kites to fly in designated areas. For more information, visit: www.colorthewind.org .