May 18, 2009 Bumpy Start / Perfect Finish in Grand Haven

Grand Haven is an ideal festival. Beautiful beach, good people, crisp organization. Nestled at the edge of Lake Michigan, you don't even have to worry about the tide coming in and out. But things weren't feeling ideal out on the Show Kite Field Saturday morning. Cool winds were rushing in off the water at an average of 25 with gusts topping 35. The sport kiters were unpacking vented kites with stronger frames, And we set to digging in anchors very deep.

I was pleased to see the tropical fish stack taking the winds very well. Smaller Idol models quivered with each gust and the group of 15 got lots of attention. As conditions improved in the afternoon, we pulled out our new gold/orange Octopus for a maiden flight. And finally, as winds dropped to a tolerable 15 mph, we stacked up a few kites and suddenly, we had a show! The main field featured ballet performances by Chicago Fire, IQuad, the Windjammers, Lee Sedgewick, Sam Ritter, Lisa Willoughby and Paul DeBakker At the edge of beach, our hosts, Mackinaw Kites sets up a very large sales tent and for two days, has the biggest kite store in the mid-west. Art kites fly on the south end of the beach. And at the north end, a large field is provided for the show kites which we�re always happy to try and fill it with color. Sunday turned out to be one of the best flying days we've enjoyed in many months. In addition to the Octopus, we launched two Spanish Devils. One was provided by the Gonzalez Brothers, and the other was made under license in our own factory and was flown for the first time. Can you tell the difference?? Fliers at our end of the field this year included Al Sparling, Bob and Heidi Rymaszewski, Darryl Watters, Chad Macy, and Jason and Chaelee Madison. We packed down late Sunday, strapped bags to the roof of Al�s car, and headed out for a shower and a farewell drink with friends. Big thanks to Steve Negen and Mackinaw Kites for keeping this fine event going for so many years!

Bubble Tubes: Bubble Tubes are big and bouncy. Each piece has an opening diameter of 12 inches and the bubbles stretch to two feet. We make a 17 foot three-ball model for $70, and a huge 30 foot six-ball version for $120. So squint at the photos and imagine your favorite colors. Order any size or color between now and June 1, and we'll drop the price 20%. Just ask for the Update Discount! Click here for information on how to place an order.

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