Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
Kite fliers and spectators of all ages will experience a visual feast at the 9th Annual Atlantic Coast Kite Festival Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5! Held in two locations ( Virginia Beach on Saturday, May 4 and Portsmouth on Sunday, May 5), this popular event features a variety of activities appropriate for all ages and all levels of kite aficionados.
Everyone is invited to take part in the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival's "Best Kite Contest." To enter this contest, participants bring a kite that they have made or purchased and fly it at the festival. The contest consists of two parts: the actual kite itself (how it looks and how well it is made), and the participant's ability to fly the kite. Participants must be able to fly their kites consecutively in the air for 5 minutes at a height of 100 feet. Kites will be judged on Flight (ability to fly for 5 minutes), Structural Design, Craftsmanship, and Visual Appeal. There will be three competitive divisions: Master, Novice, and Youth (ages 7-14). Kites will be photographed and entered in the "People's Choice" contest, where festival attendees get to vote in their favorite kites! Trophies will be awarded for all divisions. Participants are encouraged to decorate their kites according to the theme "Colors in the Sky." The Best Kite Contest is free to enter, and takes place from 2:00pm-4:00pm each day.
"Flight Training" - Experienced kite enthusiasts will be holding classes for novice flyers. These classes will cover such topics as equipment selection, laying out of lines, setting up the field, launching the kite, flying and landing a kite, and safety.
American Kite Association members from throughout the East Coast will present kite demonstrations, perform kite routines to music, and fly giant kites (up to 80 feet long) that include an octopus kite! Kite vendors will be on site to sell various kinds of kites.
Awards will also be given each day for oldest and youngest kitefliers, funniest kite, most unusual kite, and biggest kite.
Admission to the kite festival is free.
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