Buffalo Kite Auction

The Great Lakes Kitefliers Society
Annual Kite Auction - March 10, 2001

Each year the Great Lakes Kitefliers Society (GLKS) puts on a kite auction in Depew, NY, a suburb of Buffalo.
The event is a certain harbinger of spring, a terrific chance to acquire some new gear, and a wonderful time to be with kiters from both sides of the U.S. - Canadian border.
This year, nine members of the NWKA and four members of TKF made up the "Canadian contingent" that excursioned to see our good friends in Western New York who host this event.

Here are a few photos that capture some of the fun of the March 10, 2001 event.

	Michelle Welsford (TKF) and Chris White (NWKA) plan bidding strategy!
	Ellen Reen and Cliff and Val Dumpleton, all members of the GLKS host club, get ready as the auction is about to start.
	Gary Mark (TKF) and Vaino Raun, Jennifer Hindson and Stephanie Bowes of NWKA chat before the bidding begins.
	From L to R: Chris Gregory and Donna and Dru Nelissen listen intently to Merv Cooper as he shows photos of the 2001 Madison, WI Ice Fly
	There were hundreds of desirable items for the kitefliers in attendance. Everyone present wound up with some coveted new items for their kite bag.
	Part of the successful bidding strategy is to pay careful attention and look nonchalent; never tipping your hand before you raise your bidding paddle! L to R: Vaino Raun, Michelle Welsford, Don Brownridge
	Gary Mark, (on right) the new owner of "Scream", is assisted by Merv Cooper in displaying the new Rok bound for Canadian skies.
	Life imitates art as Gary Mark lets out a "scream" of delight at his new acquisition.
	Chris Gregory and Bev Taylor smile as they reflect on their successful bids. "Bring on the Spring Winds! We want to fly!"
	Not nearly fast enough with his bidding paddle, Bob White saw this beauty slip away to someone else's kite bag.
	Two very dangerous kiters (Jennifer Hindson and Chris White) sit side-by-side, looking to raise the bids on a few items and steal some unsuspecting prizes.

	Merv Cooper proudly displays the "big scoop" of the night. The kite is by famed kitemaker Reza Ragheb of Aurora, CO. Looking on in admiration are (from L to R) Dru Nelissen (seated), Mike Decker (President, GLKS), Merv, Stephanie Bowes, Michelle Wellsford, Don Brownridge, Bob Travis and Bev Taylor.

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