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Flights of fancy: A closer look at kite flying

10/30/2009 2:55:03 PM

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Kite enthusiasts from across the country, as well as some from France, Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom, made their way to Rochester the week of October 5 for the 32nd annual American Kitefliers Association convention and competition.

A gallery of photos from the kite competition

Association members were busy with workshops, but found time to host competitions at the Faud Mansour soccer fields and an indoor kite flying contest at the Rochester Athletic Club. Although the weather throughout the week was damp, Wednesday's clear blue sky provided the perfect backdrop for a field competition. Kites of all shapes, sizes and colors took to the sky in competitions as varied as sport kite ballet, which involves routines choreographed to music, to comprehensive kitemaking, which involved judging homemade kites in a variety of categories. The association's mission is to educate the public in the art, history, technology and practice of building and flying kites. Anybody who took advantage of the group's public events saw mission flying high.

About the photographer Michele Jokinen

One of my favorite things about working as a photojournalist is the variety of people I get to meet. While covering the American Kitefliers Association convention, I met a number of interesting kite fans, including Barbara Hall, 79, of Florida. Hall told me about her experience flying kites in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. She will travel to Jordan and Dubai soon to add to her country count. I wish Barbara well on her travels and hope she finds blue skies where ever they may lead her.

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Walt Mitchell and friends try to get his 85-foot-long soft kite ready to compete in one of the kitemaking divisions of the 32nd annual American Kitefliers Association's convention and competition. The event was held in October at the Fuad Mansour soccer fields. Soft and flexible kites have no spars. Despite their efforts, the kite never quite got off the ground and the entry was scratched.

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Alex Meyer, of Maple Grove, Minn., carries one of his wife Barbara's custom-made kites during the sky display competition. Sky display involves flying multiple custom-made kites to create a nice looking display. Barbara's entry consisted of three kites.