2012 was another great event! How great was it? Is the word "epic" over-used? It might be appropriate in this case: The kite flyers who came from all over the country were asked to share their experiences. They did so here: Kite Life Magazine. Please come back often to see what's on tap for 2013... but you can be sure that it's going to be even better than this year... which really was EPIC! See photos of the 2012 event (and past Stampedes) by clicking on the 'photo galleries' link to the right, and read what the press had to say by clicking the "Media" tab above. We'll see you on Labor Day Weekend 2013 The 2013 Layton Syracuse Marathon News Flash! The Layton Marathon and the Antelope Island Stampede have been combined for 2013. The Layton Marathon is actually a Boston Qualifier which is a pretty big deal, especially for runners in Utah. And on the lighter side, this year they're attempting to set a Guiness World record for "joined" runners. That's 26.2 miles of being hooked up (connected by bungees) to dozens of other runners. Syracuse has also signed on as a sponsor and partner. The organizers would love to see more runners, and volunteers. So if you'd like to do either - please visit their website. There's also a half, a 5k, a 10k & a crazy hair 5k. Nearly non-stop music & entertainment: In 2012, Imagine a Beatles Tribute band performed on the island! They dressed, looked, and sounded like the "Boys from Liverpool". In 2013, we're looking for other tribute bands (to follow previous years' tributes to the Beatles, Neil Diamond and the Beach Boys) This is a colorful event: As usual, there's going to be lots of color. Literally. Not only will there be professionally flown kites all day, but the balloons will inflate in the evening (weather permitting). There will be a kid's tent where the young ones can color drawings depicting the Stampede, create and design their own kites, and at 1:30PM on Saturday, they can toss a little bit powdered chalk .... on each other! There will also be paragliders flying at various times each day, balloon glows at night. How cool is the island as a kite-flying venue? Well... we think it's a pretty fun venue for a balloon and kite festival. Frankly, though, those of us who live nearby kind of get used to having such a cool place that is so close. The first paragraph on this page reviewed the reports from 2012 kite flyers from all over the country used to describe the venue, the experience, the co-stars, the school experiences and the event itself! (You can also check out the 2011 superlatives.) that the 2011 kite flyers It really is this great a place! Remember, these folks travel across the country and around the world to various kite festivals... and they save their praise for our little island. Come out and see what makes it such a great place for kite flying! Ask them questions, get involved. They love to interact with you! Check out the photos in the gallery (right), and review the media reports (click the "Media" tab above). If you were there in 2011, you can relive the memories. If you didn't make it, you'll want to be sure to mark Labor Day on your 2012 calendar! We need some fun volunteers! There isn't ONE person or entity among the organizers that makes money from the Stampede. This is a volunteer organization, made up of a lot of fun people who like to throw the biggest party in Davis County and we need more volunteers! Set-up (Thurs & Fri) takes a lot of time, covering tables, pounding t-bars, hanging snow fence and banners. During the event we need help keeping the area clean, directing crowds, answering questions, manning the kids tent, and then after the event, we need help tearing it all down. You'll get a free pass to the events each day you help (which includes those you bring with you), AND a really cool collectable volunteer t-shirt each day. If you are able and willing to help for any portion of the weekend- we'd be very grateful if you'd give us a call at 801-774-8200! Kite & Bike Demonstrations   See a video from one of 2011's iQuad demos here. There are literally dozens of other kite flyers from across the country who participte in the event.   You'll see some other high flyers during BMX demonstrations! This year, the BMX team will be conducting clinics, too! If you're a BMX rider, you're not going to want to miss the clinics! The i-Quad team flew their precision kites around an inflated hot-air balloon during last year's evening "glow". For more photos and videos of the i-Quad team, click the "Photo Galleries" button at right. Photo used with the permission of Tom Mathewson Click the Facebook icon to "Like us" on Facebook . Stay informed - know what's happening.     For more information: Contact us at info@davisareacvb.com Davis Area Convention and Visitors Bureau: (801) 774-8200

. . . We are currently taking names and information from those interested in becoming vendors at the 2013 Antelope Island Stampede. Please click the "Vendor Info" photo above, or click here to be redirected to the registration page. A large component of the Stampede takes place locally at various elementary schools in the Davis County School District. On school days of the week leading up to the event, hot air balloon pilots visit area schools and demonstrate their balloons outside, then they retreat inside to the school's auditorium to explain the basic principles of flight. And at other schools, the finest kite flyers from across North America "wow" the children with indoor kite flying demonstrations. These two activities not only entertain and dazzle thousands of kids each year, but education comes alive and becomes relevant, as they learn valuable & applicable lessons related to science, history, and art - through demonstrations of the pilots' and kite flyers' crafts and talents. In fact, the Goals of the Stampede are: Extend an education opporutnity for Davis County Elementary Schools Provide economic development to Davis County Increase awareness of Utah State Parks, specifically Antelope Island State Park Be a premier community event