DAYTON, Ohio
Sept. 22, 2003

Kite flying performed at its finest will be on display at the U.S. Air Force Museum Sept. 30-Oct. 4 when approximately 500 of the nation's premier kitefliers gather to compete as part of the 2003 American Kitefliers Association Convention and Grand National Competition.

The public can view various competition events from noon to 5 p.m. each day on the museum's front field.

Admission and parking are free. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and may bring their own kites to participate in open flying on a separate field.

Mass kite ascensions will help kick off each day's activities. Members of the public can enjoy watching competitors participate in sport kite competitions such as ballet, precision and free-style flying and in comprehensive kite making competitions involving flexible, figure, bowed, flat, stunt, Rokkaku and fighter kites, trains, centipedes, arches, and ribbons.

Along with the event, visitors can enjoy the Museum's "Colorful Kite Tales" exhibit currently on display in the Museum's atrium. The exhibit features nearly 80 kites of diverse colors, shapes and sizes provided by collectors from throughout the Midwest and across the nation.

MEDIA: For more information, Chris McGee, (937) 255-4704, ext. 332.

PUBLIC: For more information, call (937) 255-8046, ext. 492.