6th Annual Arvada Kite Festival April 5, 2008

6th Annual Arvada Kite Festival

Kites have changed history. The exact date and origin of the kite is not known but it is believed that they were flown in China more than two thousand years ago. In 1752 Benjamin Franklin began to study the atmosphere with kites, there are stories about how the people of Micronesia used leaf kites to carry bait far out over the water where the gar-fish fed and it was years of kite flying that directly led the Wright Brothers to the invention of the airplane.  One of the strangest uses of kite power was developed by schoolmaster George Pocock. In 1822, he used a pair of kites to pull a carriage at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. And because road taxes at the time were based on the number of horses a carriage used, he was exempted from any tolls!
 
On Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Arvada Festivals Commission and the Foothills Kite Club celebrates National Kite Month at the 6th Annual Kite Festival held at Robby Ferrufino Park, 74th Ave. and Carr Drive. Young and old kite enthusiasts are invited to join the kite competition and winners will carry home trophies. 
 
This is the only Festival in the Metro area celebrating National Kite Month and this year aerial entertainment will be provided by the kite masters from the Foothills Kite Club with demonstration of kite flying in grand style with some of their huge, fantastic kites.  Other Kite Club members share their passion for flying with demonstrations of beautiful kites and intricate maneuvers. 
 
Stay all day for prize drawings and special activities from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. including:
 
·         Posting of the Colors – Boy Scout Troup #167 at 10:00 a.m.
·         Jeffco Brass Band for your enjoyment at 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
·         Nationally-recognized announcer
·         New to the celebration this year, Dave Sullivan and Dean Bernard’s Wildlife Adventures for children.
·         Kite contests at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - Two age groups, 10 years and younger and 11 and older, including adults with four categories in each age group: smallest kites, largest kites, highest kites and most visually appealing kites. Trophies awarded!
·         Foothills Kite Club flying demonstrations
·         Two jumping castles
·         Face painting
·         Balloon animals
·         Police child ID van
·         Many food and community vendors
 
6th Annual Arvada Kite Festival
Beautiful kites, special events, activities and prize drawings
Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Robby Ferrufino Park, 74th Ave. & Carr Drive
Free and open to the public
For more information, call 720-898-7400 or 303-422-2450.
www.arvadafestivals.com
 
Event attendees and participants are equally enamored with the quality of activities the Festivals Commission creates.  One Kite Festival participant said, “What a great day! I love the fact that this is such a great festival and it is free!  Thank you!”

Official Website: http://www.arvadafestivals.com