Deb Lenzen’s colorful banners added to the festive atmosphere of the 2018 event. (Photo by David Thornburg)Excitement is building for the Annual Kite Flying Picnic on the mesa north of Glenwood. This is the 15th year for the Whitewater Mesa Fun Kite Flying Picnic which seems to get bigger and better every year.
Last year 161 people participated in this colorful, family-friendly event. There is plenty of space without fences so your kite strings won’t get tangled, and room to park for your tailgate picnic.
In addition, for a completely different experience, walk one or all six of the labyrinths and a maze across the road at Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths. For the second time, the event is sanctioned by the American Kitefliers Association so kitefliers come from al around the state and around the country.
Expected to return this year is Deb Lenzen of Prescott, AZ, who is only the third woman in the history of the American Kitefliers Association Grand Nationals to earn the title of Grand Champion Kite Maker. Lenzen was a hit at last year’s event with unique kites like a flying fish and colorful banners to brighten up the festivities.
It all happens from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday April 6 at Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths, 355 Bursum Road (NM 159) off Hwy 180, between Glenwood and Alma, NM 88039.
Admission is free. There will be a free raffle drawing for a kite at 2.30 p.m., so be sure to pick up your free raffle ticket on arrival at the gate with the labyrinth sign.
Water, kite-mending supplies, a Johnny on the Spot porta-pottie and loaner kites are provided..
Bring your picnic, your kite, your laughter, the whole family and all your friends, your sunhat and something to sit on.
Additional directions : GPS 33.3765, -108.852 Note: On MapQuest, Google Maps or Apple Maps be sure to enter Glenwood NM after 355 Bursum Road or you will end up 35 miles away on a trail up the mountain in the Gila Wilderness!
For Places To Stay & More Information, go here, here, or contact Cordelia Rose 575 313-1002 (call or text.)