American Kitefliers Association

We are writing to nominate for the Edeiken Award, AKAs consummate showman. That

showman is Pete Dolphin.

A showmans reputation is more than simply a resume of accomplishments. A resume

would detail that he had designed award winning freestyle programs. But that would not

begin to explain the impact of Pete dressed as the Wicked Witch for his Over the

Rainbow presentation, his Luke Skywalker to Sue Sedgwicks Princess Lia (complete

with bagels in her hair) for the Death Star routine, or his classic ZZ Top imitation in Well

Dressed Man.

But a resume says something as well.

• Dolphin has won AKA national trophies in Sport Kiting, Kitemaking, and

Rokkaku Fighting.

• Dolphin has been named Peoples Choice at AKA more than any other kite

designer.

• Dolphin has performed throughout Asia and Europe annually for the past 15

years.

• Dolphin has done AKAs most difficult job that of President for two terms.

There is a saying in on the kite circuit that, if you want your picture taken, hang around

Pete. His Rainbow Arch, Ring of Freedom Crown, and Soul Train of dead rock icons are

media magnets. Pete has appeared in countless newspapers and television broadcasts as

one of Americas most photographed kiters.

To relax, he flies a giant Manta Ray in the park near his home outside of Philadelphia.

That always gets attention. And once he called a local radio station who wanted to lift a

big flag at a public concert. They were looking for a crane. Pete told them the proper way

to lift a large flag in a field was with an equally large kite. And thats what he did.

Pete has waived AKAs flag in countless venues with a positive, enthusiastic, and

exuberant style.

David Gomberg tells a story of the night he and Pete were walking to their hotel after a

kite banquet in France. It was cold and windy and the streets deserted except for a single

soul stumbling down the sidewalk toward them. He was obviously intoxicated so David

and Pete crossed the narrow street. But as the old man came closer, he stopped and

squinted across the void toward them. He then pointed at Pete and called out in broken

English, I know you! You are the famous American kiteflier!!.

If even the drunks in France recognize Pete, certainly we should as well.

Submitted by Susan Gomberg Alan Sparling Betty Hirschmann