Balloon Fiesta Kite Flying Contest

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta will launch a new event for 2010, the Earth, Wind and Flyers Kite Flying Contest.
The contest will be open for kids of all ages, and will take place on Friday, October 8, at Balloon Fiesta Park. Albuquerque Public School kids will be on fall break, so there should be lots of participants.

The Balloon Fiesta's "Zebras," or ballooning umpires, will officially begin the competition. Local Boy Scout troops will officiate the event.

Registration
Registration starts at noon in front of the Main Stage on the east side of the launch field. Anyone who wants to participate can, but must be present to do so.

Kite Flying Event
The event takes place once participants have registered. Flight competition is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Awards
An awards presentation is scheduled for 2 p.m., and will be hosted by KOB TV's Steve Stucker.

Competition Categories
Kids can fly their kites according to age group. The age groups are:

8 Years and Younger

9-11 Year Olds

12-15 Year Olds

15 Years and Older

Rules

Kite flyers must register at the field on registration day.

Kites can be homemade or store-bought.

Kites cannot exceed 5 pounds in weight.

Kites are to be flown at altitudes of less than 500 feet.

One kite per participant.

Kites
What is considered a kite? A kite ust be a tethered, heavier than air craft that depends on the wind for lift.

Bad Weather
If the wind and weather don't cooperate on the day of the event, the judges may invoke the "no flying conditions" rule, and the event will be canceled. Participants will receive a certificate for participating.