The 23^rd Annual American Kitefliers Association Grand National Kite Festival and Competition was held in Treasure Island, Florida during the first week of October. The competitions included flying events with sport kites, fighter kites, and indoor kites. The competition also included several categories of kite making. Each kite is judged according to flight and handling, aesthetic visual appeal in the air, craftsmanship, and structural design. Trophies were awarded for first, second, and third in each of the categories, with special awards given to the highest score in each of the four criteria.

John Pollock, Professor of Art at Montana State University-Billings, entered kites into four of the categories of kite making. These kites were hand made and included both original designs and hand painted surfaces. His kites were awarded the following six trophies.

The American Kitefliers Association

The American Kitefliers Association was founded in 1964 by the late Robert M. Ingraham of New Mexico. Now, with over 4,000 members, in 35 countries, it is the largest association of kiters in the world. The AKA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educate the public in the art, history, technology, and practice of building and flying kites - to advance the joys and values of kiting in all nations.

Award winning kitemaker, John Pollock, will be teaching a kitemaking course during the spring semester of 2001 at Montana State University-Billings.

Contact Pollock: jpollock@msubillings.edu

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Last updated 06/25/07