High flying, decorative, colorful kites to fill Brookings sky

Back

High flying, decorative, colorful kites to fill Brookings sky

May 4, 2011

Share This
Share This

The 10th annual Brookings Kite and Bike Festival brings kite and bike enthusiasts together with sky and ground for one big, four-hour extravaganza.

From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the Fishback Soccer Fields on south Medary Ave. and south 20th St., the South Dakota Art Museum will co-sponsor the festival with the Optimist Club of Brookings.

“The South Dakota Art Museum held an international kite exhibit and festival 10 years ago and has sponsored the kite festival ever since,” said Lynn Verschoor, museum director.

“This is a community event to celebrate wind — our biggest natural resource — and to promote family fun outdoors.”

American Kite Association member, Mike Gee, of Jamestown, N.D., will bring his collection of show kites, known for their massive size and unique designs. People attending are welcome to bring their own kites and bikes to participate in the day’s activities.

For bicyclists, there will be an obstacle course run by Brookings police officers, a bike check with other children and adult biking activities.

Fire trucks and an ambulance will be on-site for people to examine with emergency personnel available to answer questions.

Demonstrations will also be given in how to make and launch paper rockets using air pressure.

Other events include kids’ wind activities, radio-controlled planes, face painting and much more.

Concessions will be available on site.

Festival sponsors include South Dakota Art Museum, Optimist Club of Brookings, Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, City of Brookings and the Brookings Chamber Visitors’ Bureau.