Enid Habitat for Human-ity is putting together a record-breaking event this summer that will raise money for the organization.
The goal of the event, set for Sept. 10, is to set the Guinness World Record for most number of kites in the air at one time. The current record, according to kitesoverenid.com, is 967 simultaneously flying kites, set on Aug. 29, 2008, at Melle-Gronegau, Germany.
Stan Hicks, a member of Enid Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors, says the Guinness World Records organization has been contacted, and a representative from London will be on-hand for the event.
The location for the potential record-breaking feat has not yet been decided.
“We’ve got a couple of locations we’re considering right now,” said Richard Dunn, Enid Habitat for Humanity executive consultant.
The Web site kitesoverenid.com has been put together to promote the event.
“We’re working day and night to make sure (the record) happens,” Hicks said.
Habitat for Humanity will raise money through sponsorships from local and regional businesses. One sponsorship has already been confirmed.
The money raised from these sponsorships will go toward the construction of two homes in Enid, Dunn said. Dunn hopes total sponsorships result in $20,000 to $100,000 for the organization.
Addit-ionally, Habitat will be selling the “official” kites for the event, which appear near the bottom of the Web site.
Members of the planning committee for the event include Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, Enid and Garfield County Development Alliance and Richard and Marti Dermer of Stillwater. Richard Der-mer is a former president of the American Kitefliers Association.
Other members of the planning committee are listed on the Web site.
Brent Kisling, executive director of the development alliance, said the event is an excellent opportunity to bring regional attention to wind energy in the Enid area.
“It’s a very hot topic from here west,” Kisling said.
Dunn agreed.
“Enid is set on the map where wind energy is certainly something that can be considered,” he said.
There are specific rules for the record attempt that must be followed. According to kitesoverenid.com, each participant must fly one kite only. That means more than 900 people must be in one area at a time. Also, kites must be in the air for a minimum of 30 seconds for the record attempt to be valid.
The Dermers will be coming to Enid before the Sept. 10 event to organize the kite flying. Also, there will be an opportunity for interested participants to practice kite flying prior to the event.
Dunn said there’s no limit to who may participate.
“We’re looking for any and all names,” he said.
While kitesoverenid.com states the world record is 967 kites flying at one time, the Guinness World Records Web site recognizes a record of 710, set on Aug. 9, 2008.