Up in the Air event takes flight in many ways

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTOS Belvidere Republican
This space alien seems to be beaming up a cow during the Up in the Air event.

Editor

“This is the first year as Up in the Air,” said Betheny Kopera, special events coordinator for the Belvidere Park District. “Previously, this event was the Family Kite Fly. We have partnered with several organizations, one being the Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum. Also, Chicago Kite who gathered all the kiters – sports and fantasy kite flyers.

“We have a full day of events planned – the Fitness Court dedication at 10 a.m. and all kinds of fun and games for the family – people of all ages. Marvin’s Tacos is here as is Food for Thought. It is a nice, fun family event. People could drop in for a long time or a short time.

“This event is the beginning of the Belvidere Park District’s Centennial Celebration. It will officially be kicking off at Home Town Christmas in Doty Park. You’ll be able to see the fireworks (8 p.m.) on State St.”

In the Performance Kite flying are, Darryl Waters, kite flyer, said, “I have been flying kites since I was a little kid. As I got bigger, so

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
A flying tyrannosaurus rex? Scary.

did the kites. Today, I am flying the alien space ship kite. It is air inflated. The wind fills it up, it takes shape, takes off, and starts flying. The big kites are made in New Zealand by a company that specializes in giant kites.

“I am from Holland, Michigan. They asked me to come today so I came all the way out here to fly kites.”

Prairie Fields Sports Park, 1111 Fairgrounds Road, was sectioned off for the various events occurring during the day. One portion was marked for the public to fly their kites. One section was marked for the water balloon-throwing event with a large slingshot and targets; another had inflatable games, and a large section was marked for the Performance Area, which held the large kites and stunt kites. This was done to ensure everyone’s safety. The big kites require room to fly without getting tangled with other kites. The stunt kites require a high level of expertise to handle. They take two hands to perform their exciting maneuvers and the kite strings can slice an unwary person’s neck.

At one point during Saturday’s event, a small family decided to fly their little homemade kite in the Performance Area. When

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Briella, age 2, Angel and Dan Weyhrauch enjoy launching bubbles into the air from the child’s wading pool filled with bubble solution.

directed to the Public Area, they refused to go. The resulting argument (which they recorded on their cell phone) caused the sole unpleasantness in the day. However, the big kites can cost thousands of dollars and getting tangled with any other kite can not only get someone hurt badly but…

For complete article, pick up the Sept. 13 Belvidere Republican.