Published June 01. 2021 12:51PM
Northampton County Parks and Recreation sponsored the 30th annual ‘Kite Day in the Park’ on May 1 at Louise W. Moore County Park in Lower Nazareth Township.
The event was held in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Kite Society and Pocono Kite Symphony. The day was held in honor of Anthony “Tony” Reiser, who was a charter member of the Lehigh Valley Kite Society. Tony passed away earlier this year at the age of 93.
The blue sky and billowy white clouds were beautifully decorated with kites of many colors and shapes floating and lifted with the perfect amount of wind.
The day included an awe-inspiring show of large specialty kites. A number of smaller traditional kites were flown by children and adults in attendance.
There were planned activities by volunteers, including kite flying lessons, kids’ kite building, kite coloring workshops, raffles, games, a bubble station and more.
Through generous sponsorships, this annual program is offered free of charge to the public, and is a perfect family fun activity to enjoy.
Andy Gelinas of East Stroudsburg beside one of his original designs on a banner to the entrance of the ‘Kite Day in the Park' festivities of which he is the founder. Andy's vision 30 years ago has brought people from all over the region and several states to participate with members of the Lehigh Valley Kite Society and Pocono Kite Symphony. Gelinas is also president of the organizations. Andy expressed his joy at watching folks come out through the years to fly for the first time, as much as the veterans who have made kite flying a well-loved hobby and recreation.
One of the specialty kites that gave attendees an element of surprise was a string of nearly 50 kites that would lift up off the ground by itself periodically, when the wind was perfect for flight. To the right is a purple object that is called a pilot or a lifter. Its purpose is to provide the wind fuel to some of the big specialty kites. You can see its companion as you look at the photo of the black pegasus kite. More photos from the event appear on page A2
Porter-9176 Porter of Easton successfully launches his colorful kite into the air and is surrounded by more kites to try out. Behind the kite, a young girl attempts to climb a tree.
One not to be missed on the 30th annual ‘Kite Day in the Park' was a black pegasus galloping through the air. The pegasus, with its 19-foot wingspan, is operated by Ron Klopp of Sinking Spring. In the upper photo of the kite string, you can see the purple pilot/lifter which flies much higher and farther away and gives the pegasus the wind fuel it needs for its majestic display.
In addition to kites for entertainment, Brad Weiner of South Jersey in Williamstown had a bubbles station set up to thrill young kiters. Brad flies his bubbles into the air around the world at different events. On the right, Ella of Palmer Township braces herself as the bubble cloud flies right to her, while sister Olivia gets ready to catch some.
Sydney Porter of Easton and her fun squid kite enjoy the day at Louise W. Moore County Park for the 30th annual ‘Kite Day in the Park' while her cousin Porter works to get his kite into the air.
One of the specialty kites flown was a spectacular blue creature. Below the kite are some of the people who came to watch the festivities or fly their own kites.
With the help of her father, Nick Appezzato, Olivia runs to get her kite to soar into the May sky. The family resides in Palmer Township.
