June 2010 (From Western Telegraph)

Flights of Fancy

6:30pm Wednesday 2nd June 2010

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At Castglione del Lago there is a disused airdrome from the previous wars. It has no command tower but the runway is used several times a year for various aeronautical events, much like the old Carew runway is.

In Mid April there is an assortment of aircraft that comes to display their capabilities and innovations. Modern and old bi-planes, acrobatic teams, hobby built air craft bth full sized and models, hang gliders, fixed wing gliders, parachutes with enormous fans to gain lift that are strapped in the backs of the users and even gas propelled things.

The exhibition is run by enthusiast who control the various planes and other winged assortments via hand held radio’s, flags and timing not to say that near collisions due to misinterpreted signals don’t occur, but it all seems to work and is well attended by exhibitors and visitors alike.

Later in the month, even into the first weekend of May, there is the “colour the skies” festival where kites of all sorts, nations and sizes are displayed, tried out and sold. There are grass skateboards with small parachute attached and larger “bikes” exhibited and raced. Small garden windmills of eclectic design and multi-coloured on offer as well as every kite design ever made for the public to try out.

The event runs over 3 days but the Saturday is the highlight with thousands of people converging on the site to fly or see kites being flown and hot air balloons. Children just able to toddle to stunt flyers of all ages try show off their skills in flying their kites of varying sizes and types. It is a field of trip cords and garrottes but no one seems to mind or get unduly tangled. Organised chaos reigns.

In addition to the many vendors of kite paraphernalia there was also a tent with local suppliers of delicacies. Saffron, liqueurs made from local products with a kick that had to be tasted to be believed despite the seemingly low alcohol percentage, wines, cheeses meats, breads, jams and attractions to visit and experience. Naturally we had various food outlets to eat from, bars, bakeries and restaurants.

As you will have gathered, families and food are very important here in Italy, they go hand in hand and everyone is tolerant of small people, dogs and irritations like queues on their day out together under blue skies with soft breezes and warm sunshine.