April is National Kite Month; Enid Welcome Center displays kites from around world
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With Enid playing host to the American Kitefliers Association (AKA) national convention in September, 2015, what better way to promote National Kite Month in April than by displaying kites of all shapes and sizes from across the world at the Enid Welcome Center, 201 W Owen K Garriott Rd.
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Enid kite enthusiast and AKA member Phillip Whitaker has graciously allowed Visit Enid to display several kites from his personal collection to help promote National Kite Month and the AKA national convention returning to Enid for the first time since 2012.
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Whitaker has also provided Visit Enid with a complete description of each kite hanging in the Welcome Center.
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Space Shuttle Kite – This 3-D rip-stop nylon kite made by X-Kites depicts the famous NASA Space Program’s Space Shuttle. The 50” wing span makes this kite easy to fly in 7-18 mph winds.
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Kitty Hawk Kite – This kite replicates the unique canard biplane design of the original Wright Brothers Flyer from 1903. Designed by world-renowned kite artist Joel Scholz, this 1/12- scale kite is made from ripstop nylon and has a fiberglass frame that faithfully depicts the famous airplane’s airframe. Its 46” double wingspan generates lift in winds of 8-18 mph.
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Fighter Kite – “Up Is This Way” is the name of this kite. Made from heavy ripstop nylon, this almost square 12”X12” kite is another example of the popular Fighter Kite used in competition. This kite is light weight, well balanced and is flown vertically. This is an American Style fighter kite that flies best in light to medium winds.
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Dragon Kite – Hand made using hand painted silk and Bamboo, this 3-dimentional Dragon Head kite is a beauty. Crafted in Bali, Indonesia, the Dragon’s head is made of paper over bamboo, and the 40” wing span makes this kite a sturdy flier.
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Indian Fighter Kite – This design originated in India and Pakistan. Known as a “Patang” or “Guda” this is the most beloved of all fighter kites. These kites are flown on Manjha line that is cured with glue and ground glass. The object of the Fighter Kite is to “cut down” all other kites in the air. Last kite flying is the winner. Hand made by Catherine Gabrel using traditional paper, the water color image signifies the red moon rising.
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Zero Wind Kite – Designed by Marc Tickets of Guildworks-Architecture of the Air, this kite is made to fly indoors. They are durable enough to withstand high-impact crashes, but light enough to fly in zero wind for performances in theatres, auditoriums, ballrooms and Convention Centers.
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Wasp Kite – Washi Paper and hand cut bamboo sticks were used to make this traditional Japanese kite. The water color design is also done in the Japanese style. Whitaker created this kite during a recent workshop in Stillwater.
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Kachina – This kite was designed by Master Kite Maker Jon Burkhardt in 2012. He is known as a pioneer in modern appliqué techniques for kite making, and he enjoys combining Native American art and bold colors. The kite is 48”x72” and flies in wind speeds of 5-18 MPH.
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“I want to say a big thank you to Phillip for sharing his kites with Enid residents and visitors who stop by the Welcome Center. We would love to see the public drop by and see these amazing kites,” Visit Enid director Marcy Jarrett said. “Better yet, take your family outdoors sometime during April and go fly a kite.”
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The American Kitefliers Association’s 2015 national convention is Sept. 28-Oct. 3 at Enid Event Center and Convention Hall as well as the flying field behind Autry Technology Center.
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