GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - "The most important kite flyers coming to the third Eden Kite Festival are… you!" says Keith Mould, kite maker and flyer, truffle farmer and founder of this well-loved event.
"It's a family festival, a chance to get out into the fresh air, be entertained and join in the fun, and look up at the kite spectacle rather than down at screens."
There will be kiters from Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Poland, England and The Netherlands, as well as Knysna kite maker Greg Mountjoy and Barbara Mould of Sedgefield.
"We've put together a varied programme to appeal to everybody and to make it as interactive as possible. A major highlight this year is an attempt to set a record for the number of kites in the air simultaneously," Mould said.
"The sponsors of the event, Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, have made it possible for the public to buy festival kites at very reduced prices in order to join in this record attempt.
"There are 2 000 kites available although more than 5 000 people are expected to attend, so we encourage people to buy their kites before the festival.
"They're available at Tourism and all Sotheby's offices in Knysna and Sedgefield.
"While you are there, buy your entry tickets for the festival too – there will be an express entry lane for ticket holders so you can avoid the queues at the entrance."
During the day there are other exciting events such dog agility displays, boeresport for the children and different kite-making workshops catering for young children, older children and adults.
One workshop will be held by kite maker Maarten van Hienen of Holland.
Fun activities for everyone
You can participate in a number of events, including the Running with the Bols, a race where you have a bol (a kite shaped like a parachute) tied to you and you have to run with it.
Being 2017, you'll also have to type a message on your phone while running!
There is also a photographic competition open to all and with fabulous prizes, and that firm favourite, the Team Kite Challenge where you fight in the sky with kites, is back.
Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies will officially open the festival by launching a special kite to show that Knysna Rises after the fires.
Expect up to 40 food and craft stalls, and new this year is a picnic area with chairs, table and shade from where you can enjoy the show.
Also new is a dedicated space for the public to fly their kites.
The festival takes place at Eden Lawns along the N2 in Sedgefield from 09:30 to 16:30 on Sunday 22 October.
The day before, at 16:30, there is an opening concert at the Octopus Garden under the Sea, Scarab Market in Sedgefield.
Wendy Oldfield and LeRoy Botha will be performing, so bring your own chairs, blankets and picnic, enjoy the music and meet the mayor and the kite flyers under the stars.
Tickets are limited, available at Tourism and at Sotheby's offices.
The concert and the festival are in aid of community service centre Masithandane's bursary fund, which supports learners attending school by providing basic necessities as well as transport to learners living in Sedgefield as there is no public transport or a high school in Sedgefield. Jacky Weaver of Masithandane says the festival is a major event on their calendar and a significant fundraiser.
More info: Keith Mould 083 679 4039 or kmould@mweb.co.za.
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