Kites on Ice

Trust Wisconsinites to never do anything the normal way. Everyone knows kite season in the northern hemisphere is in March. So when does Wisconsin have a big kite festival? Why in early February of course! And do they hold their festival in a park or open field? No, in Wisconsin we have Kites On Ice!

This year Kites On Ice is being held Saturday, February 7, through Sunday, February 8, 2004, 10 am to 4 pm. Find the fun on Lake Mendota and the UW Memorial Union in Madison. There will be both indoor and outdoor events. You can take part in activities which include workshops, exhibits, stunt shows, kite skiing, indoor flying and more.

Kites on Ice was begun in 1999 by kite aerial photographer Craig Wilson. It began on Lake Monona and this year moved to Lake Mendota. Thousands turn out on the cold February days to meet kite-designers and performers from all over the world. These kiters love the craft and most have won prestigious awards. They travel here to fly and exhibit their kites, as well as to do demonstrations and teach about their world of kiting. They take part in kite flying demonstrations and workshops. Enjoy the music, the food, and at night the fireworks. These kites have to be seen to be believed. We are not talking about the diamond shaped kite we used to make in elementary school. These are huge, fantastic kites, shaped like dragons, sharks, and creatures only imagined.

Did you know there was a Wisconsin Kiters Club? They are a family club with fifty some active kite flyers as well as some members from further away. They conduct workshops and kite flies throughout the year. What do the Wisconsin Kiters have coming up? The following events are on their calendar:
Feb. 21 - Workshop: TBD
Mar. 20 - Workshop: Tri-Start Box
Muskego Public Library
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The master of the cellular kite and this year's second place finisher in figure kite at the AKA national kite making competition - Art Hass teaches a lucky group of students the steps to building another interesting kite.

Apr. 19 - Workshop: Small Kite
Muskego Public Library
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Donna Shenk amazes students with her construction instruction for an itty-bitty butterfly kite. Donna's own butterfly kite with appliqué garnered a third place trophy in novice division at the AKA national kite making competition.

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