March 12-14, 2010 In some cultures, the number 8 represents good fortune and the infinite connection between heaven and earth. For kite flyers this year, the significance occurs on Huntington Beach in California, home of Dave Schenkman’s long standing pier front store, The Kite Connection. What began 8 years ago as a small lark based on an idea thrown forth in the Gone With The Wind forums has now established itself as a regular event on the US kite schedule. Welcome to Kiteparty 8! Come down this year help celebrate another anniversary and also, to celebrate The Kite Connection's brand spanking new storefront on the pier! This year’s event takes place from March 12-14, down on Huntington’s main beach area. In previous years, the flying has been restricted to two fields to the north of the a main pier but, thanks to Dave’s tireless lobbying and support of the event, the south side of the pier will also be available for flying as well, giving the flyers a huge area to fly within. It’s worth pointing out that despite the “official” dates of the event, more than a few flyers pop down to the area a little earlier than that, often arrived on the Monday before hand to take in some warm California weather flying for a few extra days. Given the cold and snow that’s gripped much of the continent this winter, nothing sounds finer than a few days of flying in temperatures above 60f, and often nudging into the 70s. From my previous experiences in attending this event, it’s truly a great break from winter doldrums.
One of the joys of Kite Party is what’s lacking in comparison to nearly any other festival in the world. A complete and utter lack of a schedule! There’s no “you have to be here at this point, then over here for this” kind of vibe to it, it’s a loosely run event and it’s done that way on purpose, the intent being “it’s a party”. While that’s the case, there will be a few demos throughout both days, with Too Much Fun coming up from San Diego to perform a few demos and also IKE (Illinois Kite Enthusiasts, for which this event has become a “must do” for all of them! Given how cold it can get in the Midwest, can you blame them?) from the Illinois are chipping in as well. Friday is the main day when people begin drifting down to the beach in force and Saturday night is the Pizza Party for Kiteparty, held at the Lamp Post Pizza place that ‘s located not too far from the beach. Ask anyone there on Saturday for directions, it’s very easy to find and this year, Kiteparty has the entire place to itself! One of the best parts of the pizza party is the auction after dinner, often featuring one of a kind customs built specifically for the event by the companies who attend to event every year.
Some of the manufacturer reps that are attending this year include Revolution, Prism Kites, Focus Kite Designs, Blue Moon Kites, Skyburner, Premier, New Tech and a whole bevy of well known single line kite makers! A veritable who’s who of designers and builders descend upon the party, because they need a break from all the snow and cold as well. Given it’s not long after the Kite Trade Association show held in January, you can expect all of these people to have new products to show off and have you try out! It’s worth pointing out from the list above that this “party” is inclusive to all kinds of kites, whether you fly duals, quads or single line kites. The northernmost field is traditionally dedicated to the SLK flying crowd and really, it’s the large inflatables in the air that draw people in from the distance, let’s put on a big show for them, like as has been done in the past. Also attending this year, a full six-person contingent of iQuad flying their new 2010 routine, as well as Too Much Fun, 180GO! and a large number of "ace" sport kite pilots coming from all over to show us their best stuff.
A couple of things that you should be aware of for the event, first off, you need to let people know that you will be attending the event. This is handled over at the GWTW forums, and a simple note on the Attendance thread is all that is required. The link to the forum thread itself is below : http://www.gwtwforum.com/index.php?topic=78.0 There’s a few threads within the GWTW forums as well, the cover such issues as lodging for people (The Howard Johnson about 10 minutes away from the beach is the typical spot for people to stay), who’s going to be where and when they arrive, and also, this year Dave has suggested that lines be no longer than 75 feet unless you have specifically arranged otherwise with him. Given the close confines of the beach and the large amount of flyers expected for the event, this will ensure that there is a safe amount of room for everyone who wishes to fly. Also, more information is slowly coming together at the site listed below, it’s well worth while to check this spot regularly in the days coming up to Kiteparty to see if there is any last minute changes or announcements to be wary of. There’s still time to make arrangements to head down to this party, and I can guarantee that you will have an excellent time at it, much like I have in the years I have gone before. It’s truly a “Kite Party” to be remembered!David Hathaway
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