kitesovergrinnell - WELCOME SOME OF OUR FEATURED FLYERS

FROM PENNSYLVANIA:

CLIFF & JOYCE QUINN: - COOPERSBURG

Cliff, also known as Mr. Cliff to many Grinnell students, again brings his expert kite building, his love of kite flying and his joy in sharing kiting to Grinnell. There is no kite too complex (as shown by his award winning double star) and none too simple (as witnessed in his elementary classroom kites) for Cliff. He loves them all.

As before, Cliff will lead the 3rd graders at Davis School teaching them to make their own sled kites. Also, he will work with high school students making Kono Fighting Kites.

Since last year, Cliff designed and built a kite used as a demonstration on the Monster Quest TV series and starred in a series of educational kite shows for Kids TV. He has accepted an invitation to fly kites in France.

Joyce loves working with the students wherever she travels and at the kite festivals sponsored by her local kite club.

In addition to making and flying kites, she is known for making beautiful banners of her own design and as special orders. Many of these items are sold through Burlesque Kites. Joyce is a co-owner.

Both Cliff and Joyce will spend a good deal of festival time indoors with the children who wish to build their own kite. They will have approximately 150 kite kits to share and will continue to help the children until all the kits are used.

FROM ILLLINOIS: REV. DANIEL AND MARY OGATA - BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

Dan needs no introduction to anyone who has ever attended a Kites Over Grinnell event in the past. Dan is the founder of the event. In addition to having a life-long love of kites and kiting, Dan has inspired many others! Mary accompaniees Dan and flies her own kites.

NELSON BORELLI - WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS

Nelson is a member and current or past officer of Chicagoland Sky Liners Kite Club, The Midwest Kite Fighters Group & The Kite Society of Great Britain. In addition, Nelson has published a nmber of magazine and on-line articles about indoor flying and fighter kites.

He has been an award winning Fighter Kite Competitor since 1995 and began winning awards for is indoor flying in 2006. Competitions, demonstrations, shows and workshops have taken him to Argentia and twelve states in the U.S. including Iowa.

In 2006 Nelson competed in both the FIghter Kite and Indoor Flying competitions at the American Kiteflyers Association Conference. He placed FIRST in the Experienced Fighter Skills and THIRD in the Indoor Flight competitions.

His indoor award was achieved while flying his personally designed and handmade "50 Cent Kite". Spending only 50 cents, Nelson constructed an single line, fighter style gliding kite made of very thin DuPont transparent Mylar. The kite weighs only 12 grams (.42 oz.) and has a sail areaa of 589 square inches. His unique kite and personal style during the Free Style Performance truly WOWED the crowd of onlookers. (Word has it he may bring his unique Glider to Grinnell)

ALAN SPARLING - CHICAGOLAND SKY LINERS KITE CLUB

Alan sparling is one of the most active flyers of giant kites in the world, appearing at over twenty events each year. The centerpieces of his collections are three full size Peter Lynn kites and the giant Barrel (50' x 75'). The three Peter Lynn giants are a 90' long Gecko, an 88' long Octopus and a 90' long Trilobite. In addition, he has several "mid-size" kites, large ground display pieces and a large collection of smaller kites.

Alan has been involved in many aspects of kiting over the past fourteen years including both dual and quad line sport kites, buggies, fighter kites,rokakos, a wide variety of single line kitees and now - show kites.

He travels extensively both nationally and internationally flying the large show kites. His obsession has turned into an opportunity to see the world.

Alan served on the board of the AKA for ten years. Six of those years were as the Region Six Director, (Il., In., Ia., Wis., and Mn.), and six overlapping years as the treasurer of AKA. He has received the AKA Regional Director of the year award, the Charlie Sotich award for Midwest Kite Promoter of the year, the Hod Taylor award from the Minnesota Kite Society and the Bob Ingrahm award for service to the AKA.

MIKE KORY - ILLINOIS KITE ENTHUSIASTS, FOUNDER (IKE)

Mike Kory, now a member of the internationally acclaimed TEAM I QUAD, will be flying with the team in Japan and England this year. As captain, he returns this year with a newly formed team of quad line Revolution kite fliers from Illinois known as 180 GO!

Mike has been flying for over twenty years and has been a guest flier at festivals on both coasts and across the midwest. He sews many of his own sport kite creations, single line kites and ground display items. If one were to count, they would find over 100 kites in his collection today.

He invites all to join in the fun of kite flying and even to join IKE. He tells us that membership is free and information can be foound at www.ikeclub.org

ROSE KORY - IKE

Rose is the kite flying daughter of Mike Cory and an accomplished flyer in her own right.

In addition, she is a National Merit Scholar attending Grinnell College. Rose is a special gift to Grinnell.

CHRIS RIZUTTO - IKE FOUNDER

Chris is a member of IKE, 180 GO! and an entertaining individual outdoor performer with both dual and quad line kites. Chris also excels at indoor kite flying and wowed observers during the 2007 festival.

Chris makes his own single line kites and enjoys showing others how to build and fly their own kites.

CHRIS BABB - IKE

Chris is co-captain of 18O GO! He flies individual demos and excells in indoor flying as well.

ISAAC TREJO - IKE

Isaac is a member of 18O GO! He flies individual demos and flies dual as well as quad line kites.

KEN KRUEGER - IKE

Ken is a member of 18O GO! He also flies individual demos.

MIKE, ANN, NICK & ZACK STEPHENSON - IKE

The Stephenson family members are all entlhusiastic quad line fliers. Nick is a member of 18O GO!

REPRESENTING THE CHICAGO KITE / KITE HARBOR:

DAVID ZAVELL AND FAMILY AND MIKE HALL AND FAMILY

FROM MISSOURI AND KANSAS

SEAN BEAVER & STEPHANY ROSENTHAL - KANSAS CITY KITE CLUB (KCKC)

Sean and Stephany are currently some of the most active flyers traveling throughout the region flying large show kites and hosting kite boarding demonstrations and related flying shows. Sean has been involved in many aspects of kiting over the past ten years and they both share a passsion for single line, dual line and quad line kiting as well as various large show kites.

Sean is also a member of PASA (Professional Air Sports Association) as an accredited kite boarder and continuees to promote the sport on lakes throughout the region. Kiteboarding is currently the fastest growing water sport in the United States and Sean is at the forefront of its promotion in the region.

Sean has been the president of the Kansas City Kite Club for the past three years anad received the Chuck Blackwell award in 2007 recognizing his ongoing contribution to the sport. Through Sean's leadership, KCKC has gown to become one of the region's most active community kiting organizations hosting over a dozen major events each year.

His personal kite collection includes multiple large show kites, banners and ground displays. Current centerpiecees include a 50' Trilobite, a 90' Manta Ray and his newest piece, the world's largest spin sock measuring over 180' in length and nearly three stories tall. The Beaver collection is spectacular.

RANDY, LINDA & RYAN LARKEY - KCKC

Randy and Linda Larkey have been involved in kiting for about five yeara. They favor "ground displays" with banner collections and ground bouncers that they assemble as a team with Randy cutting and Linda sewing.

Son Ryan designs and flys all types of kites but expecially enjoys indoor kites.

NOTE: with the Larkey family taking the lead, KCKC will organize the Indoor Kite FLying Show this year.

DON LARKIE - KCKC

Don brings his own special creativiy to kite making as he paints and dyes his fabrics in unique ways before using them to make high quality kites, banners, bols and bouncers.

ALLAN, SUSIE, LIZZIE and LAURIE GILSON - KCKC

Every member of the Gilson family follows the kite trail and takes part in kiting in various ways. Allan (Dad) enjoys his single line kites as well as dual line sport kites. 14 year old Lizzie's favorites are dual line sport kites she has flown both indoors and out.

Susie (Mom) has had experience in festival announcing and Laurie who will celebrate her 9th birthday on Monday after the festival, may be following in her footsteps.

They all enjoy the ground displays - expecially the banners made in honor of the girls.

OTHER MEMBERS OF KCKC:

DOUG HOFFMAN , GARY AND PHILANA BLAKELY

DONNA HOUCHINS - GATEWAY KITE CLUB (ST. LOUIS, MO)

Donna has been flying sport kites for 10 years and has been competing with dual line kites since 2005. In addition, she builds sport kites, single line kites and miniatures and participates in AKA kite making competitions.

Donna also serves as the secretary of the Gateway Kite Club.

FROM NEBRASKA:

DON AND BETTY MURPHY - AKA REGION 7 DIRECTOR

Don has flown kites for over 30 years and has an ongoing love affair with really BIG kites. With a collection of over 250 kites, it is sometimes difficult to decide which ones to fly. Among his favorite kites to fly are his 90 foot MEGA BITE, lOO foot rainbow spinner and his 500 square foot flow form.

Don and Betty travel almost every weekend from April to October flying kites for many festivals and events. They enjoy Kites Over Grinnell because of our warm and friendly community.

BRUCE KENKEL - MIDWEST WINDS KITEFLIERS CLUB

Buce has been flying kites since 1989 and enjoys stunt kites, buggies, indoor kites and large inflatables.

He travels around the country with Don and Betty Murphy to fly at various festivals. A frequent traveling companion is his "one of a kind", 120 foot long Peter Lynn Squid.

ELMON MORRISON - MIDWEST WINDS KITEFLIERS CLUB

Elmon brings a new interest to Kites Over Grinnell with his Kite Aerial Photography. He takes amazing photographs using a camera lifted by a kite.

As the webmaster for the kite club, he takes a good portion of the photos on their web site. Check them out at http://www.midwestwindskitefliers.org/

FROM MINNESOTA

BARB MEYER - AKA BOARD MEMBER

Barb has been an active AKA member and kite maker/flier for some time. Her love of quilting has transferred to her love of kites. Some may recognize patterns and/or quilt touches on some of her original design kites. A line of her personal designs is now produced by kite companies.

She enjoys a bit of whimsy in her creations so you may see some ladies flying from poles near her tent. Whether whimsical or traditional style, Barb is sought after to present MAKR (MAKE A KITE RETREAT) across the U.S.

THOMAS E. & JILL CROSS - MINNESOTA KITE SOCIETY (MKS)

Tom and Jill do fly kites but will again be found in the lobby of the GARC (Grinnell Athletic Recreation Center) at Ahrens Park during the "O8" festival with an impressive display of Kite History and Memorabilia.

Tom is a member of the MKS board and uses not only his kite flying but his collection to promote interest in the sport.

Those stopping to view the display and visit with Tim and Jill will learn about the kistory of kitiing and see some memorabilia as old as 100 years. Tom will have some new items on display this year.

FROM WISCONSIN

BRIAN AND KATHY BLAESKE - WAUWATOSA

Brian and Kathy have been making kites since the late 80's. Some of their kites have been commissioned by various marketing firms and they have created banners for local political groups and churches.

They created their personal pride and joy in 1993 when they made two kites ( a genki and an 8'rokaku) for the Harly Davidson Company's 90th. reunion. Volunteering their kite making workshops at schools and childrens orginazations is another of their joys.

Brian and Kathy have traveled the Midwest to fly in as many kite festivals as they can. 2007 was the first year they were able to join us at Kites Over Grinnell and now report that it was by far their favorite.

DALE AND PAM BOWDEN - WISCONSIN KITERS

Dale and Pam live in Wisconsin Rapids and have been flying kites off and on since the early 60's, getting in to "serious" kiting in the last 15 years or so. Along with flying kites at festivals, they also set up their own static fish display, allowing the public to mingle with them. They love to spread the joy of kites and build kites at local Children's Festivals and various scout groups.

Pam and Dale fly together as the KOWS Kite Team....just starting to fly sport kites to music and in sync. They host the Pittsville Phun Phly, held on Saturday the last full weekend in April - a real small town get together.

PAUL FIEBER - MADISON WISCONSIN

Paul has been building and flying kites over the past 15 years. His handcrafted kites have received national recognition at the Smithsonian and AKA Nationals Kitemaking competitions.

He enjoys giving kite presentations and teaching people to make and fly their own creations. He is current chair of the AKA Art committee and is former Regional Director of that organization.

FROM IOWA

CHUCH WAGONER - (KITEMAN)

Chuck lives in Newton and has been flying kites for over 50 years and an AKA member for 16 years.

Retired from Maytag Corp, formerly of Newton, Chuck has more time to spend with his family and with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. He and his Little Brother return to Grinnell each year for the festival.

BOB AND BERNADEANE WEBB - WIND RHYTHM KITE CLUB

Bob has been flying kites since he was a small child saving Christmas wrap and making kites in the winter to fly in the spring. Some of those were box kites 4' to 6' tall as well many diamond kites.

Bob flies mostly sport kites now, having picked up that intereest in the 80's and he flies indoors and out. His fascination with all kites is evidenced by his flying in O to 4O mph winds with kites ranging from postage stamp size to an 80' dual line octopus.

Bob and BernaDeane have often been seen organizing, flying in and providing support for many public flying events including Hot Air Balloon Races, Ice Cream Days, Nebraska Flea Markets and pre-game shows in the Eplorers Baseball games. As a past president of his local kite flying club, Bob continues to live the purpose of spreading the joys of kite flying by giving demos and flying lessons to school groups and Boy and Girl Scout groups.

CHRIS AND CRYSTAL VOGEL - DES MOINES AREA KITERS

Although there is not yet a kite club in Des Moines, Chris and Crystsal are looking for others in their area to join in the fun of kiting.

Chris and Crystal have beeen AKA members for only 2 years but Chris began flying kites as a toddler and never lost his joy in the sport. Crystal flew kites as a child then renewed her interest early in the couple's relationship. Today, they are both avid kit flyers.

They mostly fly single line kites of varying sizes from miniature to large flow forms but have recently developed an interest in sport kites.

DICK AND SIS VOGEL - GRINNELLIANS

Dick and Sis each grew up flying kites and never outgrew their childhood. There have always been kites around their home and many breezay days found them flying kites with their kids.

Five years ago they joined AKA and now enjoy flying kites at various festivals during their winter travels and just for fun around the Midwest as well as serving as current directors of Kites Over Grinnell.

Because of duties at this festival they may not be able to fly many of their kites. However, some will join other kites on display inside the GARC.

WELCOME SOME OF OUR FEATURED FLYERS

OUR FEATURED FLYERS ARE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN KITEFLYERS ACCOCIATION (AKA)