02/08/2021
Less than a year ago, we were celebrating the success of another Mille Lacs Kite Crossing. There was awareness of a novel Covid virus, but the only facemasks were used for warmth. After 16 years, 16 successful years, we took this time to evaluate the needs for continuing on. Looking back, each year Mother Nature would deal us a new hand. Whether we arrived in Garrison with a solid sheet of ice with small islands of snow, or a mote of water hindering access onto the lake, or a lunar landscape like a few years ago, we would rise to the occasion and work with it. With the support of the Garrison community, loyal sponsors and an energy from our kiting community we felt invincible.
The Kite Crossing was born out of the success of two decades of the Mille Lacs Crossing (windsurfing event) and the freestyle-based Kite Freeze which had catapulted Minnesota snowkiting to the top in the World. The water Crossing was winding down and the last Kite Freeze was still fresh in our memory when we took to the ice a month later for the first Kite Crossing. We learned a lot that first year and in the years to come, about the demands of putting on a high risk event. So while we take great pride in what we endured and accomplished over the 16 years, we also share in the disappointment when we announce that the Mille Lacs Kite Crossing will not return for 2021 or beyond.
Mike Fox, Director, Fleet 8
