Many events around the country are incorporating indoor flying as part of their program. But very few have organized indoor-only activites, and fewer still have gone to a multi-day format.
Lincoln City, here on the Oregon Coast has a winner with their four day Indoor Festival that incorporates flying, competition, workshops, demonstrations, kids programs, and a extravaganza performance program.
For those of you not familiar with indoor flying, you use ultra-efficient, and ultra-lightweight kites. Instead of wind, the performer simply walks backward controlling the kite with smooth, controlled hand movements. With practice, you can do a variety of tricks and maneuvers.
An indoor show will incorporate music, costumes and story-themes into a performance.
With four days scheduled, Lincoln City offered plenty of time for experienced flied to hone their skills in a large auditorium, while new fliers learned the basics next door.
Scheduled performers included Lee and Debbie Park, Lam Hoac, Penny Ligenfelter, Wayne Turner, Jerry Cannon, Scott Davis, John Baressi, and Paul deBakker. But plenty of other folks showed up to learn, teach, and show.
Lincoln City has a good thing going with the indoor festival. It was windy and raining outside, but the lines were dry in the big auditorium and most of the stadium seats were filled. Next year we hope to see lots more people make the trip to the Oregon Coast in March.
Of course, we've also got the World Sport Kite Championships coming up here in June. Check out www.WorldSportKite.com for more details.
Susie and I are off to Colorado next weekend where we join the local fliers for a Kite Month event on Saturday, and then help Into the Wind celebrate their 25th Anniversary on Sunday. Hope to see some of you there!
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