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pull on the string.  However, some kites seemed to have a mind of their own.  The week passed quickly.  When Saturday morning arrived, most were ready, some were not.  
     
    As Grenby had predicted, the weather was partly cloudy and breezy with the wind from the south.  In other words, it was perfect kite flying weather.  The contest site was a small field on the north side of the island.  It was chosen the day before, based upon the expected wind direction.  For the most part, the kites would be flown over the open water, and everyone would have a good view.  The contest was scheduled to begin at 10 bongs, but many were there by 8.  The sky was soon full of darting, bright colors as everyone did some final practicing.
     
    The animals were to participate in and view a scored stylistic flying exhibition.  There were five kite categories — 1-foot, 2-foot, 3-foot, 4-foot, and box.  Each competitor would have five minutes to perform.  The judges would rate each performance for flying skill and originality.  The maximum number of points that could be earned in each category was 10, so the highest possible score was 20.  The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each category would receive beautiful silk award ribbons.
     
    At 10 bongs, Bartholomew called everything to order.  He arranged everyone on the field according to their kite category.  The ticket system was used again to see who would go first, second, and so on.
     
    Brie Bluebird was again chosen first, with her blue, white, and yellow 1-foot kite.  She sent it into the sky and executed some beautiful figure-eights.  She swooped and swirled the kite gracefully for much of the five minutes.  Everyone applauded a very nice opening performance.
     
    There was a lot of similarity in the performances, but some did stand out.  The best performance of the day went to Dr. Brigit.  Among other tricks, she made her green box kite climb very high in the sky and then come hurtling towards the pond.  Just before hitting, it took a sharp U-turn and barely skimmed the water.  She did this three times.  She got a standing ovation from the crowd and was awarded a perfect 20 points.
     
    On the other end of the scale, unfortunately, a few kites crashed.  Finn Frog’s kite went out of control and pulled him into the pond before it went down.  Most embarrassing!
     
    Everyone brought a picnic lunch and had a very enjoyable time.  At the end of the long day, the winners were announced:
     
    1-FOOT KITES
     
    1st - Fiona Frog,  18 points
    2nd - Brie Bluebird,  16 points
    3rd - Faith Frog,  14 points
     
    2-FOOT KITES
     
    1st - Sofie Squirrel,  17 points
    2nd - Melrose Mole,  16 points
    3rd - Bartley Bluebird,  14 points
     
    3-FOOT KITES
     
    1st - Conner Chipmunk,  18 points
    2nd - Stoddard Swan,  17 points
    3rd - Declan Duck,  16 points
     
    4-FOOT KITES
     
    1st - Dahlia Duck,  18 points
    2nd - Wilde Weasel,  16 points
    3rd - Birch Beaver,  13 points
     
    BOX KITES
     
    1st - Brigit Badger,  20 points
    2nd - Shane Squirrel,  18 points
    3rd - Merwin Mole,  16 points
     
    Bartholomew closed the event by congratulating the winners, thanking everyone, and wishing them well.  Most packed up and left the island quickly to return home.
     
    Conner, Colin, and Craig Chipmunk decided to stay a little longer and play with Conner’s winning kite.  Stoddard Swan and Branna and Britt Bluebird also stayed.
     
    At one point, Colin suggested that it would be fun if they could ride on the kite.  The other chipmunks agreed, so Conner pulled the kite down to the ground.  Colin and Craig grabbed onto the crossbar.
     
    Conner said, “This will only be a short ride.  Now, hold on tight.”
     
    Stoddard cautioned, “Please, be careful.”
     
    Conner launched the kite into the wind.  The breeze caught it, and soon the two chipmunks were soaring over the pond.  What a view they had!  Now, they knew what it was like to be a bird.  It was great