Kite fliers participate in "One Sky One World" unity event

This is the 24th year for the "One Sky One World" event.

By Sarah Redohl

Published Oct. 13, 2009

Kite enthusiast Ryan Larkey waited patiently for the next gust of wind to blow through Cosmo Bethel Park on Sunday. Every year on the second Sunday in October, people around the world fly kites in celebration of the 24th annual "One Sky One World" event. Kites are considered a multi-cultural symbol and the universal flying is designed to promote and support world peace and friendship among all people.

Inviting attendees to join in on the fun, Larkey, Kansas City native and former president of the city's kite club, taught people the ins and outs of flying kites on his two-string fluorescent orange kite.

In comparison to Larkey, no one could keep the kite flying for long, but participation in the event promoted a greater understanding of kite flying as a hobby and a passion.

"I don't have a reason for it," Larkey said while steering his favorite four-string model, a purple and teal delta kite, against the wind. "I just love it."

For 8-year-old Logan and his father Andy Heimericks, flying kites offered an opportunity for bonding and doing something they both enjoy.

"I just love watching the kites fly through the air," Logan said as Andy Heimericks untangled his kite strings.

Former Columbia kite shop owner Jerry Rowden said although he has moved on from kite flying as a sport, he still likes to participate in the event.

"It's a day where we can get together and see old friends," Rowden said.

Everyone had different reasons for enjoying "One Sky, One World," but most people at the event agreed it promotes unity around town and around the world.

John Grimshaw, who assisted in planning the event with the Parks and Recreation Commission, said he appreciates youth coming out to the event.

"It's a great way to support the idea of people being under the same sky and show our connectedness," Grimshaw said.

Knowing people across oceans, borders, language and cultural barriers are doing exactly what they're doing has a remarkable effect on participants in the event, he said.

Next year, the planning committee is arranging a special guest to make the feeling of connectedness resonate deeper. They invited a kite-flier from China to attend next year's "One Sky, One World" event in Columbia, which they hope to extend to a two-day event.

The turnout this year might have been modest in comparison to previous years as the American Kitefliers Association National Convention in Minnesota ended Saturday, but those who did attend said they enjoyed spending the day together, flying kites for a united world.

"There are always good people here and we hope for good wind, but even if the wind doesn't show up you still have the good people," Larkey said.