Date:	Sun, 12 Mar 1995 16:14:34 -1000
From:	Mr.Nasty@ix.netcom.com (Frank Kenisky)
Message-Id: <3k09qa$1gb@ixnews1.ix.netcom.com>
Organization: Netcom
Subject: Austin Zilker Park Kite Festival

While it is still fresh on my mind let me post something about the 
Austin 67th annual kite festival.

This year Abel Ortega and myself (Mr.Nasty) put together a 
judging/contestant seminar which was held on the front steps of Sky 
Delight Kites. Before we got started Joel provided everyone with a sheet 
of paper to make a paper airplane and we had the traditional Smithsonian 
(at the Brown's) paper airplane toss.

Although there were only about 15 people we all had a pretty good time 
and learned about the changes the sport kite committee has been making 
for the past year. (Although none has yet been published)

The next day was typical around here for March. The sky was over cast 
and threatening of rain. Rumors were going around that there was an 80
chance of the wet stuff. As the day worn on the clouds got thinner and 
the sun even broke through and I managed to get a bit burned.

I was asked to help 2 local dj's with the announcing and once again I 
had the crowd just screaming at the top of their lungs. It was fun 
announcing with the local dj's because they provided the inquisitive 
spectators point of view and I was the expert. (ha)

This is not nor has it ever been a major competition. It is fun for 
families. And it is also the first kite event of in Texas. This has got 
to be one of the weirdest kite events ever. There are no signs of major 
kite industry involvement. But the place is swarming with spectators. I 
think this event attracts more spectators, in the 4 hours it is held, 
than any kite event in the U.S.

And there is very little sign of kite industry involvement. The cost is 
pretty fair I would think. (Free) Yes it might cost to send a 
representative or two but for the free pr and announcements all day 
surrounded by almost 30,000 for 4 hours focused on one thing I think it 
a shame that more kite manufactures do not take advantage of events like 
this one.

Well next year they have asked me to help change the schedule of events. 
After 6 years and several exausted people later, of trying to change the 
event, they are now finally willing to try and change the event to 
include some things which, as I was told, will get the crowd more 
excited. They were pretty excited, but I think a good rokkaku challenge 
could even get their blood racing a bit more.

Well, on to Waco. Maybe if we're lucky we can meet there.

Frank


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