Bigger and better than ever---The 5th Annual Sertoma Kite Festival was an overwhelming success. Over 2,000 people attended this year. What would we do without our kite fest partners---Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft Club---for donating their field for our event each year and providing the miniature aircraft demonstration, Whatakite for the giant kites, and Young Marines for volunteering.
A special thanks as always to Whatakite (Barry and Karen Ogletree). Their colorful flags lined the flying field. The wind was a little strong for the giant kites, but never fear. Whatakite brought their heavy wind kites and ground kites. These kites were over 100 feet long. Also, thanks to John and Laura Shamrock for helping with the parachute (bol) races and candy drops which were a huge success. Some of the Young Marines had to hold the strings of the bols for some of our lightest contestants to keep them from taking flight.
The Young Marines Color Guard, under the direction of MSgt. Gonzales, presented the flag and started the festival. Then, they went to work in the parking lot directing parking, taking the count of attendees at the gate, helping Whatakite and the Shamrocks preparing the field and during the festival, and cleaning up.
We were blessed to have our founding vendors - HOT Lions Club and Knights of Columbus, some returning vendors and alot of new vendors this year. Thanks again!!! Keith Reed with New York Life, a Sertoma member, provided free child IDS and there was a steady line at the Prize Wheel. We hope that all of those who attended will put us on their calendar for the first Saturday in May next year and invite their friends.
Thank you to all of our kite festival sponsors---you made this festival a success and are a part of providing hearing aids and scholarships to hard of hearing children in McLennan County. See pictures of the Kite Fest below. Be sure and view both slide shows---pictures change every 10 seconds.
KiteFest 2010 - Last Minute Preparations & The Festival Starts
SEE MORE KITE PICTURES BELOW
KiteFest 2010 - Whatakite, Games & People