BY: RACHEL WUMKES

It’s been a winter event favorite throughout the years.  The contrast of vibrant colors against a blue sky as kites soar above the frozen lake.  The beauty and grandeur of these incredible flying apparatus’s can take your breath away, and watching their handlers is quite mesmerizing.  Gorgeous kites take to the sky in every shape and size, ranging from whales to kitty cats to an exquisite Chinese dragon.

In the past, the event has been under the complete organization of Clear Lake residents Larry and Kay Day.  It was Larry’s love for the high-flying activity that sparked this event, which has grown into something spectacular over the years.  People have come from all over the country to partake in this unique activity, braving the extreme cold weather throughout the years to see these magnificent kites up close and personal.

Though they love sharing their passion for kites with their community, Larry and Kay decided in 2020 that it was time to hang up the kite ropes and pass the event on.  They approached the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce with the idea of taking over Color the Wind, adding it to their signature line-up of yearly events.  With Board approval, it was decided the Chamber would keep this long-standing tradition of winter fun, tackling the logistics, planning, and organization going forward.

As plans were made to foster the exchange of information, COVID-19 hit the World in full force.  That exchange was delayed, making it impossible to pull off the event in 2021.  Being a specialty that takes years upon years of practice and knowledge to perfect, the need for an expert kiter is imperative.  Someone who can guide us through the ins and outs of kiting and all that it entails.

Stacy Doughan, President and CEO of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce states, “With the Day’s guidance, we are confident Color the Wind will return in its full glory in February 2022, and it is our honor to continue the Day’s legacy and this remarkable event.”

Typically, as the event is always held on the 3rd weekend in February, we are all bummed knowing it should be happening this weekend.  I suppose after a year of having plans change and altering our schedules, we should be used to it, right?

So, mark your calendar for February 19, 2022 for the grand comeback of this spectacular event.  We look forward to seeing you there and are already counting down the days!

Stay tuned for any updates and information pertaining to Color the Wind at www.clearlakeiowa.com