Open-Air Kite Displays
These are best staged on a large open site, which allows room for manoeuvres and for
onlookers. But however good the site is, it is only a background for the displays. The
most important thing is that the latter should be as effective as possible, and this is
the intent of the following suggestions. They are entered under separate headings, to
provide a means of quick reference.
(a) Moonlight Festival
The idea here is to
stage a display of illuminated kites. These may be prepared in the following ways. Fasten
an electric torch to each kite, over the centre of balance. Alternatively, a small dry
battery may be used. Connect it to one or two bulbs by means of wires and a switch. In
both cases it is suggested that coloured lights be used. Coloured transparent material can
be placed round the torch glass or the bulbs. In preparing the kites it must be remembered
that they will be carrying extra weight.
The additional equipment, therefore, should not be too heavy, and the larger-sized kites
should be used. The box style is one of the most suitable for the purpose. As far as some
other styles are concerned, very effective use could be made of transparent covers, made
from a material like polythene. On a suitable evening these multi-coloured lights,
floating and weaving patterns overhead, would be a very pretty sight indeed. A further
suggestion is that a camp-fire sing-song with refreshments might be
included.
(b)Dual Control Display
Generally speaking, one line is used in flying
a kite. In other words, it has a single control. The suggestion here is to incorporate a
second line, attached to the bottom of the backbone. This line, of the same length as the
kite line, would be suspended independent of a reel.
By means of a dual control the operator could more readily manipulate his kite in an
acrobatic display. One of the larger-sized kites would be needed to take up the extra
weight, and only very light but strong lines should be used. Care would need to be taken
with the second line, especially in coiling it round on the ground so that it would not
get tangled during the flying of the kite. The main kite line would be used in sending the
kite up; both lines could be used in bringing it down. This is an event which calls for
considerable practice and skill.
(c) Novelty Display
A striking effect would be
ensured by flying kites of different styles, sizes and colours. The display would be
enhanced by the addition on some of the kites of fringes, tassels, buzzers, multicoloured
tails, light reflecting and coloured discs.