Kite Festival on the National Mall : March 28

[CraginS]

The annual Smithsonian Kite Festival is almost here - Saturday, March 28
http://kitefestival.org/

I do not know if anyone has arranged with the festival team for the annual CHGPA dislpay.
Anyone know? Volunteers?

Sadly, I must break a 10+ year tradition and cannot participate this year.

However, I do still have the kid-size training harness that was a centerpiece of our display last year. All afternoon we had a line of kids, accompanied by camera-wielding parents, ready to slide into the harness and hang under a glider (Batglider preferred, but not required).

If we are able to have a club display, and anyone wants use of the kid harness, contact me, and we'll arrange a hand-off before the 28th.

[RedBaron]

[quote]Sadly, I must break a 10+ year tradition and cannot participate this year.[quote]

Just a question. How many pilots have we/the schools recruited from the Kite Festival in 10+ years? Is this a payside activity?

[carweill]

We may not get direct response, but I think it is good PR

My opinion

Carlos

[Dan T]

Janni,

It's not all about recruiting new members. We might also ask ourselves how many land owners have we met? How many politicians or government officials who happen to walk by incognito with their families and get a good impression of our sport and intervene when we ask ask to clear a slot in a state or national forest? What about people who would support a petition to fly in the National Parks? Which by the way might not be a bad idea.

An even more important question might be how many kids had the most memorable experience of their spring holiday when they hung in that harness and what kind of smile will it bring to your face to see the smile on theirs? I can't answer the first questions but I can tell you for sure the answer to the last one is "a lot of kids!" Come on out and see for yourself.

[pink_albatross]

And what with NC talking on Letterman about hang gliding so recently, there might really be some interest from the adults this year!
Unfortunately I've already committed to the Dickey's Ridge cleanup for that day.
But I have folding table, folding chairs, cooler for refreshments, cocoon harness, Sport 2 that anyone who wishes to take the initiative is welcome to use.
Maybe you guys could dress up in tuxedos and offer some sparkly (cider, i think alcohol is verboten on the mall)
-- ellis

[davidtheamazing1]

so whos going to be there? Forecast as of right now calls for a rainy day w thunder.