CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Eighth Annual End of the Trail Kite Festival brought families and kite enthusiasts together on Sat., Sept. 28 for a day of high-flying fun. Held at 1200 S. Beech Ave. in Pine Bluffs, the event ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and featured dozens of colorful kites flown by both amateur and semi-pro kite flyers.
According to Sonja Fornstrom, recreation director for the Pine Bluffs Recreation Department, the festival gets its name because Pine Bluffs sits at the end of Interstate 80 eastbound in Wyoming and the event also marks the end of the kite-flying season.
“It’s a great way to close out the season and encourage kids to visit the rec area, fly kites and get some exercise,” Fornstrom said.
One of the highlights of the festival was the “All Fly” at noon, where participants filled the sky with their kites. Kids who didn’t bring kites had the chance to receive a free one by being first in line. Meanwhile, semi-pro kite flyers from tri-state-area kite clubs showcased enormous, intricate kites, creating a stunning display for attendees.
Free rides on the “Kite Trolley” offered attendees an up-close view of the kite-flying action. The event also featured food vendors, local crafts and a jump house for kids to enjoy between kite flying.
Some of the attendees, including Rebecca Nelson-Reed of Aurora, Colorado, have made the festival a yearly tradition. Nelson-Reed, who started kite flying in 2019, enjoys the company of the close-knit group of kite flyers who travel to festivals across the country and even internationally.
While last year’s winds were less than ideal, this year’s conditions provided a perfect backdrop for kite enthusiasts. The event welcomed flyers from Colorado, Nebraska and other surrounding states, creating a vibrant display across the sky.
Safety remained a priority, with areas designated for amateur and semi-pro flyers to prevent kites from getting tangled or lines from snapping. Semi-pro flyers, as a thank-you for their participation, received a free T-shirt and meal from one of the food trucks.
The festival, organized by the Pine Bluffs Recreation Department, takes place every year on the last Saturday of September.
