Things looking up at stampede

By Linda East Brady, Standard-Examiner staff

Thu, 08/26/2010 - 5:28pm

Images

The iQuad squad flies sports kites in a pinwheel formation. The sports-flying team performs during the Antelope Island Stampede next weekend.

Standard-Examiner file photo
A hot air balloon flies over Antelope Island State Park during the 2007 Antelope Island Balloon Stampede.

ROBERT JOHNSON/Standard-Examiner
Ogden roots musician Dan Weldon plays at his studio. Weldon performs Sept. 4 at the Antelope Island Stampede.

Cross over the causeway to a world of entertainment next weekend on Antelope Island. Hot air balloons, precision kite flying, regional music, varied cuisine and kids' activities will reign supreme at the Antelope Island Stampede.

There was a bit of rallying to be done in the past few weeks after two long-scheduled shows -- by nationally known bands Eve 6 and Sawyer Brown -- had to be cancelled due to a conflict between partners within the outside presenter's promotion company. But really, this festival is about far more than the music -- and besides, amazing local talents have filled in to make the three-day event sound wonderful.

Scott Sluis, entertainment chairman for the event as well as drummer in Red Shot Pony, one of the bands set to play the fest, said, "For instance, on Saturday night we have Dan Weldon, who is helping us out at the last minute, which is of course great. I know the audience will really appreciate what he does."

Sluis' own band does a mix of music -- "We go everywhere from Johnny Cash to Lady Antebellum to Blondie," he said.

Also on the bill is neo-Celtic rock, jazz, cowboy music and poetry, and classic and alt rock.

"I know people always say, 'There is something for everyone,' but there really is here," Sluis said.

Flying high

Of course, balloon launches and glows are a centerpiece of the festival, but this year so are kites of all kinds, flown by precision teams and individuals.

"These kites are really amazing," said Kathy Dysert, who is on the organizing committee for the festival. "Some are as big as balloons, and others, so tiny they can do demonstrations inside schools without wind or anything."

A precision kite team named iQuad, which includes members from Oregon, Washington, California and Canada, will be a featured part of the festival. The group will also visit area schools early next week to perform their mind-blowing indoor kite demos.

"You really have to see what they do to really believe it," said Dysert.

A unique setting

Dysert notes that this is a very affordable event. Picnics are welcome, as well as campers, but for those who plan to buy food it is cash only. It's also $10 per carload to get onto the island. But after that all shows on the ground and in the air are free.

"We started in 2006, what we call our beta year," said Dysert. "And it has grown each year since. We have a lot more vendors with great food, arts and crafts. There is horseback riding available, and inflatables to play on for the kids.

"And of course the island itself is a draw, with hiking and biking and camping and floating in the Great Salt Lake."

Said Sluis: "You have the sun setting on White Rock Bay, with those beautiful sunsets. Plus, we have the balloons and kites. You might even have a herd of buffalo coming over the mountain as the music plays, to see what all this is about. It really is unlike any other outdoor venue anywhere."

ANTELOPE ISLAND STAMPEDE SCHEDULE

Balloon flights occur weather permitting

Sept. 3

7 a.m. -- Mass balloon launch along I-15 corridor/Davis County

5 p.m. -- Festival opens, kite demo

5:30 p.m. -- Skydivers

5:30 p.m. -- Red Rock (country western)

7 p.m. -- Balloon flight

7 p.m. -- Jonalie* (acoustic originals)

8 p.m. -- Red Shot Pony (classic rock/country)

8:30 p.m. -- Balloon glow

Sept. 4