Date: Mon, 6 Jun 1994 08:56:00 -1000 From: Frank Kenisky Message-Id: Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice) Subject: 1st Annual Bluebonnet Kite Fest FIRST ANNUAL BLUEBONNET KITE FESTIVAL AND SPORT KITE COMPETITION Although this event has long since past, I though it would be nice to at least provide a review for those who may be interested. The event was held in San Marcos, TX on April 9th and 10th of this year. It was hosted by an unassuming group the ladies Bluebonnet Lions Club, with the assistance of myself, Frank Kenisky. This event was also a scheduled event on the South West Sport Kite Conference (SWSKC) and sanctioned by AKA. Although not an American Kite Circuit event this year, a request is being sent to the Circuit committee for consideration as a regional event next year. SWSKC is growing and so is the young staff of volunteers. Head judge was Greg Hernandez, who helped make all the sport kite events run smoothly. Stacy Carmichael, a newly transplanted Texas from the east has also been very helpful with the on site organization between scorekeepers and the head judge and announcer. Edward Reynolds, a masters class flyer and personality. He keeps things interesting in the SWSKC at events he has provided on field workshops. The event was threatened, as most events in this area are during this time of year, by the gray ominous clouds of rain. Yet with the spirit of the bluebonnets and contestants it rained all around us but only on the field for a few minutes. The events opening ceremonies was a great start to a memorable event. Skydivers landed in the main field while a local celebrity sang the Star Spangled Banner. Of course on the field were a number of contestants all competing for points toward the SWSKC Championship at the end of the year. All scores can be found in SWSKC Ranking. Off the field was an interesting and wonderful distraction to some of the more technical sport kite activities. The area was filled with a festival atmosphere. Food and craft booths lined the main road, while square dancers were greeting spectators at the Bell Tower. Mexican folk dancers were on hand Saturday and Sunday and provided a different color at ground level. A few prominent traveling kite retailers probably didn't bring enough inventory for the unexpected crowd of spectators. Even though this was a weekend threatened with rain the Lions Club was satisfied with the turn out for this first year event. A large tent, within close proximity of the main field, was set up during the day for children's activities and a special kite contest. All day children were running in and out of the tent with little hand crafted treasures. Richard Dermer, Kathie Nixie, and Jenean Evard were the three contestants in the smallest kite contest which was held inside the tent. The tables were set aside and a nice clearing was made for the smallest kite flying field. The San Marcos Zoo also provided a small petting area. They brought out several different type of farm animals for children to pet. Strangely though it was mainly my kids who were chasing the animals in the pens. Ben Hammock from Lubbock brought out his huge homemade flow form and his crew of candy droppers as they made a big production of hoisting the kite in the sky. Children surrounded the main flying field waiting for the candy to hit the ground. Of course in-between all this fun and frolic all categories of sport kite competition contestants were stunning the crowds with the magic of maneuverable kites. In a unanimous vote, Team Nemesis won Peoples Choice. They flew there precision maneuvers and ballet routines all day and all night. Their prize $100. The event is scheduled for April 1st and 2nd for 1995. Put a mark on your calendars for next year and we'll see ya'll there. For more information about SWSKC Events and schedules call: (210) 659-1803 or (512) 326-6216. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =