Saturday, April 21, 2001

By Kevin Dougherty, Stars and Stripes

Michael Abrams / S&S file photo Kites of all shapes and sizes fill the air at the International Kite Festival at the Kuhberg recreation area in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, in 1996. One enthusiast here has 111 kites strung together, reaching into the sky.

BAD KREUZNACH, Germany — Go fly a kite.

So says the U.S. Army community in Bad Kreuznach, which is closing for good this year. The folks here aren’t being rude as they bid the place adieu.

As host of the 9th annual International Kite Festival, they really want people to go fly a kite this weekend.

"This is kind of the last fest for Americans in Bad Kreuznach," said Jutta Midgett, the outdoor recreation director for the 410th Base Support Battalion.

Fortunately for the Bad Kreuznach military community, they have this breezy affair that annually draws thousands of people to Kuhberg Park just south of town. It’s safe to say that heads will be held high this weekend as colorful objects dart and dive through the sky.

"Some of these kites are incredible," said Elyce Franks, a spokeswoman for the 410th BSB.

"People come from all over Europe to bring their kites."

At least 200 kite enthusiasts are scheduled to participate Saturday and Sunday, though that number will likely rise because people can register to fly after they arrive.

One kite king known for launching huge, colorful airships is coming from Luxembourg.

"We are hoping for a lot a wind to get those kites in the air," Midgett said.

"If the weather is anything like it has been for the last couple of days, we’ll have 20,000 to 25,000 people up here."

Aside from the kites, organizers are planning several other events to mark the occasion, including a specialized kite that will make "candy drops" every two hours beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be "kite fights."

Saturday promises to be the busiest day. Aside from the daytime attractions — a performance by 1st Armored Division band, food booths, beer tents, souvenirs — the skies will be cleared at 7 p.m. for a procession of illuminated kites and hot air balloons. The day concludes with a 25-minute fireworks show scheduled to start at about 9:30 p.m.

The event starts at 10 a.m. both days. The fireworks show will be the wrap for Saturday. Sunday’s festivities run until 6 p.m.

Admission is free. The park is located up the hill from the Naha Club near Rose Barracks. Follow the road past the club and look for the signs directing you to Kuhberg Park.

While this will be the military community’s final kite festival, Midgett said the town has agreed to host the show next year, though its future beyond 2002 has yet to be determined.

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