GREENFIELD , NH —If you saw a Giant Lobster, a Deep Sea Diver or a White Spirit in the sky on Saturday you were seeing just a part of Crotched Mountain's first Kite Festival.

People of all ages and abilities gathered on Saturday September 9th at Crotched Mountain to participate in the Kite Festival.

Master kite maker and educator Archie Stewart of the Boston area led kite building and flying for everyone. Members of Kites Over New England, an American Kitefliers Association affiliated club (www.kone.org), demonstrated kite flying with kites of all shapes and sizes including a Revolution Quad Line Kite, Rokaku, Dual Line Ultra Sport Kites and a 36 foot Flow Form Kite. Many of the kites were anchored into the ground and flying at 400-500 feet all day long.

Underneath the large kites were many smaller kites made by Crotched Mountain clients and visitors and a giant 100 kite arch that stretched across the field. A group of ladybug kites dotted the hill, jumping when the breeze picked up.

Also joining the fun of the Kite Festival was Michael Wingfield of Portland, ME who led drumming circles with Crotched Mountain clients and guests exploring the songs and rhythms of the New African World. 12 foot mixed media kinetic sculptures created by New Hampshire sculptor Emile Birch and Crotched Mountain clients were scattered around the field and at other places on the campus. These whimsical sculptures set the tone for fun, flying and fellowship throughout the day.

The Crotched Mountain Kite Festival is funded by the Healing and Arts Initiative, a consortium of the Vermont Arts Exchange, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, with the generous support of Jane's Trust and The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center.

"In the coming year, we look forward to hosting new and returning artists who will lead us in experiencing art as an exciting part of life for everyone," explains Deborah DeCicco, who is the coordinator for the Healing and Arts Initiative programs at Crotched Mountain. "We will explore some mediums that are brand new to us and others that are old favorites. Dance, music, fiber, poetry, film and sculpture with master artists from across New England will be part of what we offer our clients and staff."

Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization employing more than 900 people. Its mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 consumers, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, living in New England and New York. For more information about Crotched Mountain please visit their web site: www.crotchedmountain.org.

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