[Neil Larson]

41st Anniversary Otto Meet Planned for May 23 2012
Those who would enjoy gathering to share old stories & shake hands with "HG Early Birds" HG Enthusiasts & HG Pilots are encouraged to post your ideas & suggestions here.

Now Organizing the
2012 - May 23rd Newport Beach, California 41st Anniversary of the
Historic Original 1971 First Annual Universal Hang Glider Championships
& Otto Lilienthal's 164 Birthday Celebration "Picnic"
at San Miguel Park in Newport Beach
to Honor the recent placement of the Historic Granite Marker Stone
which recognizes the 1971 Event.

This local public park gathering will be a "NON-FLYING" Hang Glider Reunion Picnic
not a flying zone with possible allowances to display actual Hang Gliders.

Media Coverage is anticipated.
*Attendees are encouraged to bring scale model Hang Gliders , vintage HG equipment & your own HG photos to show & share.
Last years event brought together a wonderful group of friends to share the achievement of four decades of hang gliding.

More Details Forthcoming - Planning Ideas & Suggestions are welcome -

[Bob Kuczewski]

SUPER IDEA NEIL!!!!

We had a few model hang gliders at the 40th anniversary. Maybe we can take the next step and bring Little Hawk (still not a full-sized glider). What do you think?

[Neil Larson]

since the probability that "media" , paper & TV will be present - it is best to have Little Hawk there seems to be the same self- "governing" aspect given for this as the original USHGA steered toward with it's original articles of incorporation- Newport Beach will watch as the HG Representatives act & behave on May 23 - this is a great platform for the entire world wide sport - I will keep making invitations to those in the So Cal area who have responded to the Marker project--- we could well see a very good turn out-
the THROTTLERS Picnic - was an annual event held at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank, to allow the old Hot Rod & hop up gang to come together for an annual dry lakes racers reunion --- that picnic is now a Los Angeles city wide gathering & the old guard THROTTLERS have mostly all since pasted on the standard to those younger-
The Otto Meet Picnic should carry on the legacy & all those "ALIVE" who were at the original meet of May 23 1971 should make the effort to get there - including TARAS & the long list of others ...

[Bob Kuczewski]

Thanks Neil!!

Also, I just got your facebook link for the event (via email), so I hope you don't mind me posting it:

http://www.facebook.com/events/235677709852313/

[Neil Larson]

[Bob Kuczewski]

Fantastic footage Neil!!!



I'd seen a lot of that on "Big Blue Sky", but there's a lot that didn't make the film. Who shot all that footage?

[Neil Larson]

the original footage was shot by Laurence "Larry" Dighera's Father - Mr. Dighera was one of the only people to film that day ! His son posted the footage several years back on You Tube- any specific details should be then directed to the source You Tube Channel that this above video is connected - In fact we should extend a very special invitation for Larry D. to attend this years Celebration !

[Bob Kuczewski]

In fact we should extend a very special invitation for Larry D. to attend this years Celebration !

Do you know if anyone has current contact information?

[Neil Larson]

Bob ,
I will attempt a send into his You Tube account- as we have had previous contact- OK?
standing By
over & out-
Neil

[Bob Kuczewski]

I will attempt a send into his You Tube account- as we have had previous contact- OK?

Sounds like a super idea to me. Thanks Neil!!