Kite extravaganza planned
For those of you who enjoy kite flying, or simply want to learn more about the hobby, Peabody is holding an event you will not want to miss! Peabody's first Kite Extravaganza will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 15 at Peabody Elementary School, 506 Elm. Included in the fun and busy morning will be demonstrations, kite sales, and kite making opportunities and competitions in more than 10 categories.
Jim Truax of Peabody is spearheading the potentially annual event. Jim and his wife, Carrie, have spent several years as missionaries in Indonesia, where the sport is a popular activity. They have seen amazing kite competitions, and hope to bring more attention to the sport here in Peabody.
"Kite flying has traditionally been a fun, creative, and educational activity. With new innovative kites, there has been resurgence in interest," Truax told the city council recently in requesting permission to host the event.
His interest in hosting the Kite Extravaganza is two-fold. "We hope to promote Peabody and enjoy the fun of kite flying."
Les Derstein, owner of Wind Heaven, a kite and wind accessory store in Wichita, visited Peabody schools Tuesday to help students make kites and learn more about the activity. He will attend the extravaganza as an expert, and will have kites available for sale. Other expert kite flyers from the Topeka, Kansas City, and Wichita areas will be there to perform demonstrations and assist with the competitions.
There are several categories. The first category is "handmade by the competitor for creativity and artistic appeal." This category is divided by age group, and includes a prize for ages kindergarten and below, first to fourth grades, fifth to eighth grades, high school, and adults.
Other competitions vary. Kites do not have to be handmade, but must be able to fly. Categories include most acrobatic, most unusual, oldest kite flyer, longest tail on a kite, smallest, largest, and others. A fighting kite contest may be included if there are enough competitors.
Parent and children combos can enter the parent-child contest in assembling and flying a kite together in the shortest time. There is an additional $1 fee to pay for expense of supplies. Kite kit for this competition is available at the extravaganza.
Cost to compete is $5 for adults 16 and over, free for youngsters 15 and under. Spectators and non-competing kite flyers are welcome to attend for free. Free-will donations are gladly accepted. To register, contact Jim Truax for an e-mail registration form at jimtruax@southwind.net or stop by the Peabody City Office. Registrations in before May 10 will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. For more information, contact Jim at (620) 983-2616 or the city office at (620) 983-2174.
