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2000 et 2001
With the start of the new Millenium, the budget became larger and the Organisation carried more weight. To cope with this the organisers decided tomake an entrance charge for participants and adult public. If between 110 and 1300 tickets were sold in good weather, the costs would be covered to allow free entry for children. For the past seven years the ESTIVOL festival has become a National Festival, unstoppable. A doubtless landmark for its participants, an event that gives rhyme to the whole Region, not only for residents but tourists alike.

What's it all about ?
The first Show " AIR BOWL" took place in 1996, it attracted 300 spectators ,astonished and delighted at the same time by a cool, simple, spectacle though a little candid. The day concluded with the ULM maiden flights and the ESTIVOL was created. The second show was a little crowded, 500 visitors. The National Kite flying demonstration became notorious. The ESTIVOL really took off! The last week-end in July is the date to note, as it's in the holiday period that the ESTIVOL festival takes place in the Mounts of Blond. The Organisation is getting bigger and more "professional".

		1997,1998,1999
Different expositions or presentations having the theme of "wind and air" such as Kite workshops and Kite making for children, small windmill expositions, releasing racing pigeons in conjunction with the participation of the Nature Centre of "LA LOUTRE" who offer quizzes and games on birds and migration which adds an original note and delights the little ones as much as the grown ups. The festival ends in the colourful launch of the Hot Air Baloons (Montgolfieres) lifting their passengers in their baskets high up into the sunset over the Mounts of Blond - a really new concept!	At each show the parades consist of 2, 4 or 5 participating Hot Air Baloons or Montgolfières, ensuring that, at the end of the afternoon Maiden flights can take place , to the delight of spectators and participants alike. More are more people are helping with the flight preparations of these multi-coloured hot air baloons. More helpers join the organisation all the time. In 1999 the Air Force participated in the ESTIVOL for the first time and featured both days. On Saturday evening the night was dedicated to Kite Flying - in fact illuminated Kites (Inflations of Hot Air Baloons by night and also star observation (Astonomy...) . Otherwise this occasion saw the arrival of the Kite flyers having an international reputation from KEOPS, team vice-champions of the world , THE WINGS OF DESIRE, vice-champions of Europe chosen for the World Cup in 1996, Richard DEBRAY, vice-champion of France solo flying, and numerous other passionate fans and fanclubs from 26 other departments. Demonstrations of: U L M, MOTORISED PARAGLIDERS, AUTOGIROS, and Radio controlled aircraft, thus assuring a smooth punctuation between each Flying Kite ballet.

The Authenticity of this festival has evoked media interest and trggered several regional reports together with a large article published in a Swiss Newspaper and in the Kite Flying International Revue. (See Press clipping).
Other Press publications include local Media and Regional News publications (l'Echo, le Populaire, Info, la Charente Libre), and Radio (Radio France, RMJ, RCF) Television the weather chanel (FR3, Météosat), From 2000, the Association has envisaged a mascot to publicise the club called "ZEFF" also a song is available on cassette or CD (soon to be be released ,) with the theme of "wind and flying kites" , there will be a Video depicting all the show highlights from 1999, 2000 and 2001 together with running commentary .The cassettes will be made available to the general public.
This originality together with national famework has enabled our Association to be awarded with Regional 1st prize by the Jury « des CARNOT et des TURGOT ». on the 17th Novembre 2001 (Category: Prestigious nights out).

This accolade hit a particular note for us, bearing in mind the centennary of the law of 1901.

In April 2001 the C D T (Comité Départemental du Tourisme) organised a tourist promotion campaign for the Limousin Region, at the commercial centre at SAINT MARTIAL in Limoges, and really wanted the participation of our Association with them. We willingly obliged and had a stand there for 4 days. We presented our information and photos regarding the flying Kites, Autogyros, photos of the Montgolfieres, ULMs and flights over the Mounts of Blond. We have noted, with a degree of astonishment,and equally with pleasure, the impact that the ESTIVOL has had with the public as much as the show itself and the air display.

Throughout the years the ESTIVOL has made its presence known at numerous different National and International events The ESTIVOL has become an Ambassador for The Mounts of Blond and the Limousin. We have participated at numerous events such as CERVOLIX (Clermont-Ferrand), VENT de FOLIE (Vierzon), PLEIN'AIR (Angoulême), au ST B'REVES du Vent (Saint Brévin), AU FIL du VENT (Châtelaillon), the Air festival at (Luchon), also a AEROLFIADES de Trey in Switzerland. The ULM club,for it's part has regularly participated in the Poitou Rally(Charente Region) and is also present at many meetings and ULM shows.
Before the ample sucess and glory, do remember that there are 60 helpers that come from 10 different neighbouring communes to join the 10 founders, They keep their competition alive in the organisation. It will be necessary and there is no turning point to invite more good hearted volunteers to keep the Association independent.
The creation of ESTIVOL came about on 31 st December 2001, and it presented and promoted the Aerial sports like the ULM, Model Aircraft and leisure sports like Kite flying, the Hot Air Baloons etc in the theme of the event "Air, Wind and Wings"..
This status was claimed on 31st December 2001.
This Association has now regrouped the existing ULM club and has applied for a licence for a further 25 years. It will be able to receive future clubs for kite flying, model aircraft, autogyros and motorised paragliding and other clubs wishing to join them in their shared interest in air activities all togther under the banner of ESTIVOL.