May 30, 2009 NW Winds is Open! Award winning Lincoln County kite company Gomberg Kite Productions opened their first retail store at the Lincoln City Tanger Outlet Center Memorial Weekend. �We live in a kite flying town,� said principal David Gomberg. �We�ve been involved with local kite festivals since 1978. We own a kite factory. And the strongest retail complex in town is a factory outlet. So when we decided to expand to a �bricks and mortar� store, this made perfect sense.�

Gomberg Kite Productions International has been in business for more than 20 years. They manufacture kites and accessories which are sold in retail stores throughout North America and around the world, operate two commercial web pages, and perform at dozens of national and international events each year. In 2004, the company was named one of the top three small family businesses in Oregon. �Northwest Winds� will offer kites, windsocks, banners, flags, and wind toys. �We�re committed to the whole �buy local� concept� said Susan Gomberg. �All products in our store are either from our Otis warehouse, or from other kite distributors based in Oregon.� �GKPI� has provided kite shows for Walt Disney, for the London Millennium Celebration, for major motion pictures, and for the Super Bowl. In 2005, they produced the world�s largest kite which tours promotional events across the USA. David Gomberg served ten terms as president of the American Kitefliers Association, four terms as president of the International Kite Trade Association, was named Kiteflier of the Year in 1994, and was inducted into the Kite Hall of Fame in 2005. The 4000 square foot store will be the largest kite shop in Oregon and one of the biggest in the United States. Initial plans are to operate for five months as a seasonal experiment. Northwest Winds will be managed by husband and wife team Mike and Jackie Oswald.

Belgian designers Jos and Katia Valke make some delightful kites. Their bright colors and happy faces have become well known at festivals around the world. And their kites are nice too .... ;) I always think of Jos and Katje around Memorial Day. Their home in Waregen is just two blocks from Flanders Field Cemetery known for the John McCrae poem. ("where poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row..." After a visit there, the youngest daughter asked me to help her with a school report about America. "Look at the names in the cemetery" I told her. "English, Irish, Polish, Russian -- even Chinese, and several Stars of David among the crosses. That will tell you about America." The Valkes are a great flying team. In Berck, we talked to them about their fabrics, design ideas, and flying style.

Three sizes of Caterpillars: Several people asked recently in the Forum or on FaceBook about our Caterpillars in difference sizes. We make a 15, 30, and 50 foot inflatable. Prices start at $400. Great fun -- and lots of fabric for the money. Order one between now and June 10 and we'll take 20% off the list price. Click here for information on how to place an order.

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