'Oh... go fly a kite'

Legacy Park was filled with young and old alike trying their hand at flying kites Saturday.

The weather was perfect.

Bright blue skies and a brisk wind helped hundreds of area residents launch kites into the skies at Legacy Park Saturday.

From tiny triangular kites towed by tots to huge wind-driven animal replicas with a dozen feet of streamers attached, it wasn't unusual to see 40-50 kites at a time in the air.

For some of the younger fliers it was their first time trying to keep a kite in the air. For others, it looked almost like a professional commitment.

The event was sponsored by the city Parks and Recreation Department, which passed out free kites to the first 100 people who showed up.

For the fliers, it was just fun. But, there was a bonus, with some awards handed out. Judges were Mayor Tom Rist, Councilman Richard Urquidi, Gene Bish, Cassie Wenner and Jim Palmer.

2011 Kite Day Festival winners were:

Biggest Kite: Randy Danner.

Smallest Kite: Cal Harris.

Longest Tail on Kite: Robert Sonnentag -- 100 feet.

Most Colorful: Alyson Stansell

Highest Flying Kite: Hailey Pernell.

Youngest person flying a kite: Robi Kipp -- 1.5 years old.

Most Unique Kite: Josh Anderson.

Shawna Draper at Jackson Street Sweets helped sponsor the event and Wheelers Wieners provided concessions.