Kites of All Shapes and Sizes Fill the Wildwoods’ Sky with Color During 25th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival

WILDWOOD – The 25th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival will kick off the summer season in the Wildwoods this Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31, on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue and in the Wildwoods Convention Center.
 
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival is the largest kite festival in North America, featuring kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible creations – from inflatable creatures to traditional kites. Guest kite makers this year include Ron Gibian of Visalia, CA; Dean Jordan of Gainesville, FL; Martin Blais of Maryville, TN; Jacques & Francine Letourneau of Quebec, Canada; and Robert Brasington of Tasmania, Australia, to name just a few.
 
This year’s festival will also draw hundreds of kite fliers from area kite clubs to the Wildwoods, including the South Jersey Kite Flyers, Liberty High Spirits of New Jersey, Kites Over New England, Wings Over Washington, Richmond Air Force, Connectikiters and Keystone Kiters.
 
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival kicks off at noon on Friday, May 28, on the beach next to the Wildwoods Convention Center during the Wildwoods “Unlocking of the Ocean” ceremony. Students from Wildwood schools will celebrate the start of the summer season in the Wildwoods by flying their own hand-made kites on the beach. The festival continues on Friday night at 9:00 p.m. during the Nite Kite Fly, featuring illuminated kites of all kinds filling the sky.
 
The International Kite Festival continues on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30, with the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships, featuring the best sport kite pilots in the United States. The championships are comprised of a variety of competitions for individuals, pairs and teams. Also during the weekend, join in the Butterfly Migration, Candy Drop, Running of the Bols, Rev Games and Rokkaku Challenge; or fly a kite on the Learn to Fly Field and watch the Fighter Kite Competition. More fun is to be had inside the Wildwoods Convention Center with kite exhibits, workshops and indoor flying. Outdoor workshops on the beach will also take place.
 
The holiday weekend festivities conclude on Monday, May 31, when the International Kite Festival features the World Indoor Kite Competition in the Oceanfront Arena at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
 
Below is a list of International Kite Festival activities taking place throughout the weekend:
 
South Jersey Kite Flyers – Friday night social, poolside, Oceanic Hotel, $7.00 all you can eat buffet beginning at 6:00 p.m.;
Friday Nite Kite Fly – features illuminated kites & music starting at 9:00 p.m. on the beach between Rio Grande Avenue and Andrews Avenue;
Boardwalk on the Beach – vendors selling kites, novelties, crafts, food and drinks between Leaming Avenue and Andrews Avenue;
Free kite lessons and a “Learn To Fly” field on the beach in front of Leaming Avenue during the day on Saturday and Sunday;
Free “Learn to Fly Indoor” kite lessons in the Wildwoods Convention Center;
Free kite making workshops for all on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the Wildwoods Convention Center and on the beach at Rio Grade Avenue;
Extravagant kite exhibits on display in the Wildwoods Convention Center, both in the south lobby and exhibit room;
Demonstrations and workshops by world class stunt kite flyers both in the Wildwoods Convention Center and on the beach near Rio Grande Avenue;
Kite Makers Competition – Saturday on the beach near Rio Grande Avenue;
Indian Fighter Kite Battles on Sunday on the beach near Rio Grande Avenue;
Japanese Rokkaku Challenges – taking place Sunday afternoon on the beach in near Rio Grande Avenue;
Kite Club Ground Displays – bring your camera;
Butterfly Kite Migration Fly on Saturday and Sunday on the beach near Rio Grande Avenue;
Four-line stunt kite mega-fly and skill games on Saturday and Sunday on the demo and activities field;
The Great Kite Auction – open to the public in the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. – many unique kites and collectibles will be auctioned off;
Kite games and competitions including Running of the Bols competition for kids and adults with prizes; ground display judging; sport kite competition judging; candy drops and more;
Free family activities featuring face painting, LegoMaster, and Sand Pounders (the building of sand sculptures);
The Blue Voodoo kite band playing at the Oceanic bar – Sunday evening
For additional information about the 25th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, please call 732-822-4884 or visit www.SkyFestivals.com.