9th Annual Arvada Kite Festival April 9, 2011

Hey! Look What’s Up!

9th Annual Arvada Kite Festival

Kites date back as far as 3000 years and have changed history. The ancient Chinese used kites to ward off evil spirits and used them to carry messages into the heavens for the Gods. Ben Franklin disregarded common sense in 1752 to secure an electrifying place in kiting history. Alexander Graham Bell spent his whole life tinkering with kites and in 1909 constructed these enormous kites capable of lifting grown men 100-feet in the air. These days kites are mostly a source of recreation and fun.

On Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Arvada Festivals Commission and community partner, the Foothills Kite Club celebrates National Kite Month at the 9th 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.

To prepare for the Kite Festival eight kite building classes will be offered to all ages on:



· March 25 at Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St. 3 – 4 p.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

· March 26 and April 2 at the Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., 11 a.m.– Noon and 1- 2 p.m.

· March 31 at the Susan Duncan YMCA at 6350 Eldridge St., 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

· April 1 at the Susan Duncan YMCA at 6350 Eldridge St., 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.



The classes cost $3.50 and are for children 4-11 years of age. Call Majestic View Nature Center at 720-898-7405to register.

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.

Parking available at the park and Warder Elementary School, near 88th and Carr, and there will be shuttle service from there to the Festival. For more information or to volunteer call 720-898-7400 or go on line at.www.arvadafestivals.com

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.

· Kite contests at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - Two age groups, 10 years and younger and 11years and older, including adults with four categories in each age group: smallest kites, largest kites, highest kites and most visually appealing kites. Trophies awarded!

· Children can make and decorate a small kite for free

· Foothills Kite Club flying demonstrations

· YMCA fun, fitness games

· Art Fun

· Two jumping castles

· Face painting

· Balloon animals

· Caricaturist and portrait artists

· Police child ID van

· Over 20 food and community vendors

· Kites available for sale at reasonable prices.



Kite Fest co-organizer Dudley Weiland says, "Last year's kite festival was the biggest we have ever had. By adding new activities each year, we add to the appeal."

The Arvada Festivals Commission will produce seven varied large and small events in 2011, entertains over 45,000 guests annually, and is looking for members and event volunteers. For more information call 720-898-7400 or visit www.arvadafestivals.com.

9th Annual Arvada Kite Festival

Beautiful kites, special events, activities and prize drawings

Saturday, April 9, 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.

www.arvadafestivals.com