The gods were smiling yesterday as the first, and hopefully annual, Guyanese Kite Flying Picnic event got underway at the Centennial Park in Columbia, Maryland. The picnic saw hundreds of people over the course of several hours flying kites, eating good food and just enjoying a beautiful day.
The gods were smiling yesterday as the first, and hopefully annual, Guyanese Kite Flying Picnic event got underway at the Centennial Park in Columbia, Maryland. The picnic saw hundreds of people over the course of several hours flying kites, eating good food and just enjoying a beautiful day.
Kites of all types were on display, both homemade and store-bought. It was quite the sight to see as fathers and mothers ran across the grass with their kites and children ran after them with delight. The homemade kites ran the gamut from simple kites with a one foot span to a super-sized kite approximately 4 feet tall. Kites with and without tails dotted the sunny, blue skies. Tails with adornment and simple string tails trailed behind the colorful array of kites. Some of the homemade kites even sported the traditional “singing engine” variety with bulls and frills humming in the sky.
Much laughter was shared as tales were told of staying up until midnight to make a “champion” kite. Several of the kite builders brought supplies to make on-site adjustments, and more than one container of flour paste was used to make emergency repairs to the flying masterpieces.
Of course, what’s a kite flying event without a couple of runaways or in the Guyanese vernacular, “buss-aways”. At final count, six kites ended their high flying stunts in the trees. One kite took off from its young owner’s hand string and handle. The handle caught in the trees and for the rest of the day the runaway kite looked down from a dizzying height, dancing in the air with only a tree as its handler.
Ambassador Karan and his wife Donna were not just spectators but set a great example flying kites early in the event.
Music played throughout the day and lessons on how to build the perfect kite were provided by Stan and Lorraine Watson of “Taste of the Caribbean”. As the day drew to a close, the winds died down and tired parents and children walked slowly to their cars and it was clear some of the kites were going to be retired. But everyone agreed it was a great day. Kudos to Ambassador Bayney Karran, his staff and other organizers, also Randy and Lily Bengfort for arranging the use of Centennial Park. We’re looking forward to next year.
