Kites to Return to Cape May

CAPE MAY — After an absence of nearly a decade, kites will return to the skies of Cape May when “Kites over the Cape” takes flight on Sept. 11. The family-friendly kite festival will bring big and small kites, national champion kite makers and fliers, and many free children’s activities to the beach between Decatur and Gurney streets for an aerial celebration of the 400th anniversary of Cape May’s discovery.
Already known for its birdlife, the addition of a massive 30-foot tall duck kite should astound birders and beachgoers alike. It’s the creation of Mike Dallmer Sr. and Jr., the president of the South Jersey Kite Flyers Club and his son.
“What the Duck” will be joined by giant fish, octopus, cat, and teddy bear kites flown by other SJKF members. Alongside them will be the award-winning kites of Tanna and Glen Haynes of New Tripoli, Pa., Todd Little of Camp Hill, Pa., and local kite maker Phil Broder of Rio Grande.
All four have won national champion-ships with their creations (Tanna Haynes is the only woman to win the American Kite fliers Association Grand Champion prize) and are veterans of international kite festivals.
Sport kite demon-strations will be provided by Paul LaMasters of the Wings Over Washington club, and national champion Lisa Willoughby of Medford.
“Kites over the Cape” has a full schedule of kids’ activities on both days. Kids can build and decorate their own kites in a tent on Cape May’s promenade, then fly them in a special children’s area on the beach. Other events for kids – including candy drops from kites, altitude races, foot races pulling large windsocks, and a parade of kites – will take place hourly, beginning at 11 a.m. each day.
For those who want to try out the newest single-line and sport kites, representatives from Sky Dog Kites will be on hand to let everyone play with their toys.
The festival begins at 10 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 11, and flies until 5 p.m. Wind permitting, kiters’ will be back on the beach after 9 p.m. to fly with lighted kites in the dark. “Kites over the Cape” continues on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Kites over the Cape” is sponsored by the City of Cape May in partnership with Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill and the South Jersey Kite Flyers Association.
Schedule of kids events
Kids Activity Field (2 per event). Saturday 11, Running of the Bols; 12 Candy Drop; 1 Kite height race; 2 Kite Parade’ 3; Candy Drop; 4 Running of the Bols.
Sunday, 11 Running of the Bols; 12 Candy Drop; 1 Kite height race; 2 Kite Parade; 3 Candy Drop.
.