by Curtis D. Tucker
Posted: 09/29/15
-
Who would have thought we'd be asking for more wind in Enid, Oklahoma? With the beginning of the American Kitefliers convention, you'd think it would be a kite flyers dream. Not today. Winds were a little light today as the kite flyers took to the air.
-
One kite flyer called the breeze a teaser wind. The airflow came and went but there was just enough to get most of the kites into the air. The mass ascension took place at 1pm with a couple dozen kites flying in an array of heights.
-
There were several groups on hand to watch the kite show and Galen Culver was even in town to cover the story for "Is This A Great State Or What?" seen on KFOR. Culver was in town covering the kite story in 2012 when Enid tried to set the kite flying record.
-
Before the start of the kite competitions there was a very special ceremony held. The kite field behind Autry Tech was dedicated and named in honor of Richard Dermer. Dermer, founder of Hideaway Pizza in Stillwater, was an avid kite flier and was instrumental in bringing kite flying to Oklahoma.
-
Dermer, known as the “Big Kahuna,” and his wife, Marti, traveled all over the world attending different events and teaching workshops to students. The Stillwater restaurant and their home are filled with kites. Richard Dermer passed away in 2014.
-
Dermer was involved in the attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for number of kites flown at once. Though the event fell short of setting a new record, it helped Dermer’s mission of getting more people interested in kite flying.
-
Marti Dermer was on hand at the ceremony and was completely surprised as the cover was pulled back over the new Richard Dermer Memorial Flying Field sign. She was presented her own copy of the sign which she will be able to take home and display there.
-
The American Kitefliers Convention continues in Enid through Saturday, October 3 with events and kite flying taking place everyday behind Autry Tech. Tuesday night watch the Indoor Kite Flying Competition at the Enid Event Center beginning at 7pm.
-
More information on the convention and kite flying schedule on Enid Buzz.
-
-
A custom made kite showing the City of Enid logo. Owned by Phillip Whittaker and flown by Marcy Jarrett.
-
-
The new Richard Dermer Memorial Flying Field sign. Marti Dermer accepting her sign from Phillip Whitaker and Marla Miller.
-
-
Galen Culver with KFOR doing a story for "Is This A Great State Or What?"
-
-
An American Kiteflier attendee preparing her kite for flight.
-
-
The mass ascension takes place daily at 1pm when most convention goers fly their kites at the same time.
-
-
Kites flying in the Oklahoma sky.
-
-
Marcy Jarrett, of Visit Enid, flying the Enid kite.
-
