The annual Color the Skies benefitting Children’s Hospital of Central California taking place today at Mistlin Sports Park on River Road in Ripon features a colorful array of kites rather than the usual hot air balloons.

There are  only three hot air balloons on display for the 6:30 a.m. liftoff due to park construction constraints.

 At 8 o’clock begins the 5K and 10K runs as organized by the Shadow Chase Running Club. At 9:30 is the one-fourth miles Children’s Fun Run.

But kites will color this year’s skies in Ripon as kite-flying enthusiasts can bring out any of colorful shapes, styles and sizes – even inflatables – to this festive Labor Day weekend event at the facility located near Jack Tone Road and River Road.

Those attending the ‘Color The Skies Kite Show’ can bring their own kite or purchase one at the event. Expert flyers will be available to provide technical assistance. Kite demonstrations will take place throughout the day. An Awards ceremony is planned for 3:3o p.m. for the kite contest.

There will also be other booths including a children’s carnival.

No one knows more about kite-flying than Ann and Anwar Khan. They’re the owners of Old City Kites in Sacramento.

“We’re one of the largest and oldest full service kite stores in Northern California,” Ann Khan said on Thursday.

Located at 1017 Front St., Suite B, they’ve been an Old Town Sacramento fixture for 30 years.

Old City Kites feature over 500 kites, including single line and stunt kites. They also carry windsocks, flags, wind wheels, yo-yos, and classic toys.

The Khans offered three easy steps in flying a single-line kite:

•    Assemble your kite correctly and do not lose any parts when opening a package. All kites come with instructions in or on their packaging – do not throw this away.

•    Launch your kite correctly. Do not run or you might break your kite. Instead, do a quick launch by letting out 100 feet of line as a helper holds your kite by facing into the wind. The flyer then pulls in a line over hand motion.

•    Do not let go of your flying line while your kite is in the air. If you’re not sure that you can hold onto the string, tie it on to a dog stake, tent stake or any other secured item.

Ann and Anwar noted that the “how to fly” tips are included in the purchase of any kite as well as launching it in different wind conditions and other important safety tips.

“Do not throw this away,” they said.

More information on Old City Kites can be obtained by calling 916-446-7575 or logging on to www.kitesasoldcity.com.

For more information on ‘Color The Skies Kite Show,’ click on to www.colortheskies.com.