Colorful kites and sunny skies brighten winter at Kites on Ice

A winter warm-up brought folks to Sturges Park and Buffalo Lake for the 8th annual Kites on Ice Festival held last Saturday. Warmer-than-average temperatures saw many attendees ditch winter jackets in favor of hoodies and the occasional T-shirt, an unfamiliar February sight in Minnesota. 

The always-popular event, hosted by the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce, brought numerous people onto the frozen lake while kites hovered in the skies above.

Wind, barely above a breeze, kept many of the big show kites grounded, but a plethora of smaller kites took flight. Free kites were provided to kids while supplies lasted, with many youngsters working hard to get them airborne.

A downside to temperatures above 50 degrees in February is the reality of sloppy ice and poor skating conditions, forcing pond hockey players out of their skates and into waterproof boots on the rinks. 

A variety of food trucks lined up in Sturges Park to serve a wide selection of tasty treats and yummy bites, keeping festival goers energized and in good spirits. 

A number of local businesses helped sponsor the event, hosting games for kids, and creating a party-like atmosphere on the ice.

Families with young children lined up to get a special ride through the snow and ice pulled by teams of energetic sled dogs.

This year’s festival saw a smaller-than-usual array of kites over Buffalo Lake due to light winds, and slushy ice made the pond hockey rinks unsuitable for skating. Still, the conditions did little to dampen the spirits of those who gathered with friends and family. Sunshine and mild temperatures brought plenty of smiles to festival goers’ faces, offering a welcome midwinter break and a cheerful hint of summer to come.

Thank you to all those who helped make this year’s event a fun and enjoyable experience for all.