Technically it would be correct to say it is the Eleventh Annual TI Festival.  In reality it is the first. Well, how can that be you ask, let me tell you.

As the story usually goes it all started with a kite. It was a Revolution SLE as a gift for my Brother-in-law, Steve Pigeon.  Then my sister Sherri got a Rev herself and the couple had a new hobby.  A common story in the kiting world and one most of us have been involved with.  For me, it was a joy to share this with them and we were all having a great time.

Little did I know how much they would fall in love with it and go to places I never imagined. I was getting phone calls about the new rev Steve got and the single line kite “bags” that were collecting in the Pigeon Residence. Oh, Yea Baby, they were hooked.  In no time they became very good friends with the local kite shop owners, Dirk and Sandy from Kitesville USA and the entire kiting community here in Pinellas County.

Next, they wanted to start a Kite Club in Clearwater Fl and the Sunset Flyers Kite Club was born.  It is a growing club these days, but it started with family and a few friends.  Since its inaugural festival in February 2006 there have been seven events hosted by the club, some of them in conjunction with the Treasure Island Kite Club and the Eastern League.

When they called and said they were considering buying the local kite shop I was not surprised a bit.  Sandy and Dirk could see what a hard working couple they were and I know they will be successful because of the passion for kiting they possess. So In May of 2006, they became the new owners of Kitesville USA. With that they also became the new organizers of the Treasure Island Kite Festival.  Now you know what I meant when I said it was actually the first TI festival. 

When asked how big I thought this festival could become, with no disrespect intended, I made a bold statement.  “This Festival could rival Wildwood.” It has all the elements for a huge fest.  The hard packed beach is absolutely huge.  There are tons of hotels, right on the edge of the flying fields. It takes place in January, and who would not want to be in Florida in mid winter?  Two very motivated organizers and the assistance of both local kite clubs. This year there is more to add to that list. 

Tragedy has struck the St. Augustine Kite Club.  Their beach had eroded due to severe storms in their area and the natural elements and it cannot support their annual festival.  Our hearts go out to them as friends and kiters. In turn they have decided to move the St Augustine festival this year to Treasure Island and Kitesville has welcomed them with open arms.  Along with them comes, the Eastern League’s return to TI since the National convention in 2000 and a new Arrival, Tricks Party USA.  That makes five elements working in conjunction for this festival.  Our Host, Kitesville USA, the Sunset Flyers Kite Club, the Treasure Island Kite Club, the Eastern League and Tricks Party.  How cool is that.

In planning the event so many kiters have stepped up and will be part of the event. Teams will include Airborne Virus, Full Throttle and iQuad will be on the scene and performing demos all weekend long. We also plan on breaking the North American Team Mega Fly current record of 18 Rev’s so bring your 120’ lines.

Single Liners Kelly and Dennis from Larger than Life kites will be setting up the Largest Octopus in the Country along with possibly three more Octopuses for the Event. Our new AKA President, Gary Engval and his wife Maggie, will be making their annual trip to Florida again this year.  National Peoples Choice Champion, Barry "Bazzer" Poulter had decided to join iQuad and bring along his Glued to the Blue single lines for display.  One of our Local Kiters, Gary Resnick, will once again be hosting the Kids kite making and Fun for the Day.

Scott Weider will be the announcer for the weekend and the auctioneer as well.  Also, kite historian extraordinaire Meg Robinson-Albers and many more will be here in Florida on Jan 18th - 20th.   So if you have not planned on making it to this festival you might want to reconsider making Treasure Island an Annual stop on your kite circuit.  This is going to be one of the Top festivals in 2008 and for years to come. 

        See you there,

          Jay Nunes