ATTRACTIONS
When you think about leisurely flying a kite, what images come to
mind? Sunny skies with a nice breeze? Traipsing through an open
field or perhaps on a beach? What about bundled up in winter
gear on a frozen lake in Middle America? That last scenario seems
a bit out of the ordinary, would you agree? What if I told you that,
every winter, the Color the Wind Kite Festival takes place in Clear
Lake, Iowa, ON frozen Clear Lake?
Larry and Kay Day are the husband-and-wife team behind Color
the Wind. They both are kite enthusiasts and have lived in Clear
Lake, Iowa, since 1969. They wanted to give back to the community
they care so much about, so the idea for the Color the Wind Kite
Festival was born.
The first Color the Wind Kite Festival took place in 2001. It was
intended to be an annual event but sometimes Mother Nature does
not cooperate. Luckily for my family and me, this year’s conditions
were favorable and we were able to experience the colorful
festival. The fun began on Friday evening, February 16th, with the
Meet the Kite Flyers Reception at Clear Lake Arts Center. The event
was open to the public and allowed organizers, participants, and
spectators to mingle and create more excitement for the next day’s
festivities. There was even more buzz in the crowd this year as
the CBS Sunday Morning team, including correspondent Lee Cowan,
was in attendance. They were there to cover Color the Wind for
a piece that is scheduled to air on CBS Sunday Morning on March
25th. (See? Word really is getting out about Clear Lake!)
Before the festival officially began on Saturday morning, the Clear
Lake Arts Center held a kids’ kite-making workshop. Participating
children designed and colored their very own kites to fly along
with the experts down at the lake. My kids were so excited and all
of the kids really did an awesome job. The workshop volunteers
were extremely friendly and helpful. It was such a lovely
experience for my family and me.
From the Arts Center, we walked down to the lake as the festival
was getting started. As we turned a corner toward the breakwall,
the dozens of kites came into view. It was seriously jaw-dropping.
The splashes of color high in the sky were in stark contrast to the
gray-white background. From our vantage point, the cables and
anchors keeping the kites afloat were not visible, so such a sight –
the kites seemingly suspended in midair – was slightly eerie but
definitely fascinating.
My kids were anxious to get down on the frozen lake and fly their
own kites. They both did very well until my son (who’s only 4)
accidentally let go of his kite and it flew away. His disappointment
didn’t last long, though, as all the colorful kites and excitement
on the lake distracted him. We traversed the frozen lake for some
time to get up close and under all the kites. With approximately
50 kite flyers and kite choreographers from around the U.S., and an
estimated 10,000 spectators, there was so much to take in!
By Francesca Mazurkiewicz, The Working Mom’s Travels
theworkingmomstravels.com
TIPS FOR
ATTENDING
FEBRUARY 16, 2019
• Be prepared for cold weather and dress
accordingly. Yes, it’s winter. Yes, it’s cold. But if
you’re properly bundled-up, the weather will not
impede the fun. I recommend a well-insulated coat
atop a layer or two of thinner clothing; snow pants or
bibs; and warm socks and boots.
• Consider ice grips for your shoes/boots.
Walking on an icy, frozen lake can be challenging
so you’ll be thankful for the additional traction. I
managed to stay upright without the cleats but still
wished I’d had a pair.
• Bring a sled or wagon for the kids. I saw so
many families towing their kids in sleds and wagons.
I was disappointed that I hadn’t thought of it,
especially when my son started moaning that he was
tired and didn’t want to walk anymore.
ADDITIONAL PARKING
Free parking is located at Clear Lake High School with
Trolley Shuttle Service to downtown from 10a-4p.
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