Someone forgot to turn on the big fan! Fortunately as the day progressed the wind increased and we saw one of the biggest displays of kites at festival of the wind for a long time.   We had enough wind for the lighter kits to fly nicely by lunch time. After lunch there was just enough wind for the 60 kites competing in the Rokkaku fighting kite competition to get up in the air and fight it out with each flyer attempting to bring down their opponents kites.  Later on in the day I counted over 45 kites of all sizes all aloft at once.

This lack of wind didn’t deter the crowds who came in their thousands to enjoy a bright sunny day on Emu parks great beaches with many families staying the whole day and enjoying the kites, the entertainment, the games and the magnificent Wide Bay Australia Fireworks.

2009 FOW beach scene

The sea breeze built up during the afternoon when we saw the heavier novelty kites join the lighter kites in the clear blue sky. The Trilobite, the Octopus and Mr Emu were joined by the new colourful giant Sting Ray, the big yellow dog kite and the giant shark which all made for a beautiful scene as the sun dipped below the western horizon.

Many of the kites were the kit kites that were on sale for decoration and customization. They all seemed to fly very well and many kids and kids at heart headed down to the beach to fly their kite.

It was a great day and you are invited to take a look at the pictures to either relive the day or see what all the fuss was about. A huge “Thank You” to all the Lions members and also the many volunteers who made the day possible. You have done Emu Park proud.

2009 Pics are available here.

Hundreds of adults and children joined in the many free beach competitions with the lucky winners taking out one of the many cash prizes to add to their holiday pocket money.

Raffle Prize winners and Festival competition results here.

Follow the “Happy Snaps” link in the over on the right hand side of this page  for last years pictures.