Myths, History, and Daredevils

As a result of both popular demand and the remarkable success we had with the 2006 Niagara International Kite Festival, we, NTCC (Niagara Tourism Convention Corporation) and Sky’s the Limit have come to the only conclusion we can, that we must do our best to make this festival an annual event.

As fantastic and impressive as last years Niagara International Kite Festival was, there is no doubt about the enormous potential and room for growth the event holds for both the kite world and the regional community.

The annual theme for the Niagara International Kite Festival is “Connecting the Past, Present, and Future with a Kite String”.

The 2007 program we are working on highlights the Myths, the History, and the time-honored tradition of Daredevils lured by Niagara Falls.

Myth:

Ceremonies will commence with a kite being ‘sacrificed’ to the falls to appease the wind and weather gods. The kite will be made of organic materials (bamboo and paper), and will be in the likeness of Lela-Wala, the last Indian maiden to be sacrificed to the mighty Niagara in 1679.

http://www.indigenouspeople.net/sacrific.htm

History:

The 1848 Homan Walsh kite contest re-enactment will be attempted by teams of Kitefliers during the two days at the gorge.

http://niagarakite.com/history.html

The Homan Walsh re-enactment will occur simultaneously at various locations along the Niagara Gorge in both Canada and the USA. The historical purist will be able to attempt the crossing at the original contest location. This spot is near the current Whirlpool Bridge that was the venue we used in 1992. For those that want to feel the spray of the falls on their face, and increase their difficulty factor significantly, can attempt to fly across the span of the gorge in the area between the mighty Niagara and the rainbow bridge.

As the Niagara International Kite Festival has traditionally done, a kite arch will span the Niagara Gorge and connect the United States and Canada in a sign of peace and unity. This year’s arch will be made and flown by Iqbal Husain of Switzerland.

In addition to the myth, tradition, and historical re-enactments and activities there will be performances by sidewalk quad-line kite flyers, jugglers, magicians, music, kap (kite aerial photography), art kites, show kites, and street theater with vignettes’ depicting the drama, myths and history of Niagara.

September 27-28, 2007

Terrapin Point, USA & Table Rock, Canada

11:00am – 4:00pm

September 27-28, 2007

*Whirlpool State Park – Original site of the 1848 Homan Walsh kite contest

11:00am – 4:00pm

Daredevils:

Niagara Falls draws Dare-Devils to its roaring thunder like a powerful magnet. For centuries these risk takers without an aversion to danger have come from across the globe to test their skills, fortitude, and courage. The current incarnation of daredevils take the form of extreme kite fliers. The Niagara International Kite Festival will have kite and wind powered buggies, landboards, and wheeled contraptions of all kinds giving kite traction demonstrations.

There will also be huge inflatable show kites, fantastic art kites, miniature and sport kites, exhibits of KAP (kite aerial photography), philatelic display, kite history, and a variety of kite making workshops.

Saturday, September 29th, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday September 30th, 11:00am – 5:00pm

Reservoir State Park, Lewiston, New York

Check the web site http://niagarakite.com keeping in mind that both the event and web site are a work in progress and as details develop we will get them posted as promptly as possible.