Kiters flock to Garden Route for festival
The fourth Eden Kite Festival in October will be bigger than ever thanks to the overwhelming public support. So, for the first time, the Eden Kite Festival comes to George. Day one will take place on Saturday 20 October next to the Sasol Highway Garage on the N2 and day two will be held at the Mosaic Village and Outdoor Market in Sedgefield on Sunday 21 October.
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty is once again sponsoring the event in aid of the Masithandane Bursary Fund. Peter Mare, principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, says he has supported many good causes, but not all provide measurable, sustainable, on-the-ground impact such as Masithandane.
Apart from creating the lovely mosaic artworks around Sedgefield, Masithandane helps support 25 children to attend high schools in George and Knysna as there is no high school in Sedgefield. The bursary fund covers the costs of transport, stationery, uniforms, toiletries and fees. It costs between R300 and R2 000 per child for boarding schools or hostels. Without this support many children would be forced to drop out of school.
International appeal
This year will once again see kiters from around the country flaunting their giant kites as well as artistic creations of all shapes and sizes. It is also the first time that there are more international kiters wanting to attend than the festival can handle, showing how popular it has become in the international kiting community. So far, kiters from Gauteng, KZN, the Western Cape, England, Australia, USA, Germany and India have confirmed. Keith Mould, kiting advisor and founder of the event along with Masithandane, has attended festivals in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Turkey this year and at all of the festivals people asked about the Eden Kite Festival. "I don't know of many kite festivals that have become so well-known so quickly. I think it's because we focus on giving our guests a tremendous experience in the Garden Route, and they in turn ensure they give the public the best possible show."
Lots on offer
This year sees the return of some favourites, including the Kite Team Challenge, an aerial battle between teams of four using traditional Japanese-style fighting kites. Teams are given training and tips from professional kiters and receive kites to fly. Event coordinator Tertia Rothman says all companies, families and groups of friends are invited to take up the challenge.
Why not challenge your competitors or friends?
A jumping castle and the police's K9 dog unit show will keep the kids busy and a demonstration of radio-controlled helicopters in George will captivate young and old. Kite-making workshops for all ages will even include a workshop for pre-schoolers.
Kites made from upcycled materials will also compete and the artistically inclined can look forward to kite ballet set to music. Linda Sanders of Adelaide in Australia known as the Kite Lady down under - will lead some of the workshops.
Mosaic Village and Outdoor Market owner Cliff Elion is thrilled to host this exciting event.
"We look forward to seeing the Eden Kite Festival taken to the next level." The venue will host up to 90 craft and food stalls; live music; picnic and dedicated flying areas for the public; an art kite exhibition and three different arenas for the show kites.
For more information contact Keith Mould at kmould@mweb. co.za or 083 679 4039.