Kite Festival 2013

The Kite Festival

 

Usually we leave the Pacific Beach Park right after Labor Day.  However, this year we adjusted our plans and stayed to enjoy the Pacific Beach Kite Festival the weekend following Labor Day.

 

Our first order of business included a trip into Aberdeen to purchase a new camera.  My trusty camera that produced awesome photos for the last few years decided to quit, and refused to open its lens. I was delighted to find another Canon Power Shot 160 (160 improved over my old 100). It is the point and shoot camera for me. It possesses all the bells and whistle I need, doesn’t cost a lot and give great results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday morning the pterodactyl garden flew below the typical gray skies.  The group pooled their pterodactyls to create an impressive entrance into the park.  Later in the day the sun came out and the wind came up and the dinosaurs flew against a bright blue sky.  Hurray!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kiters (those who fly and make kites) look forward to this free fly festival.   The Up Your Wind Festival offers the last kite flying gathering of the season.  Putting kites, critters, tubes, banners, wind socks, spinners and lawn art in the air is the only required activity. It's a time to visit with friends and bring closure to the season.  No assigned activities are scheduled. 


Judges selected from local merchants arrive unceremoniously during the day. The wander around, clipboards in hand (that’s how you know they are judges) and rate things flying in the area or decorating the lawn.  The results are revealed at a dinner that evening.

People arrive in the morning dragging kite gear to the beach. Some preferto drive their kite gear on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lines with a large number of smaller kites dance in the air.  I can’t remember what these are called…regrets to my kiting friends.

 

The lines of kites arch over the beach and fill the skies like multicolored rainbows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People send the big flat kites high in the wind and tethered them for display. Of course you need to keep an eye on them in case the winds shift.

 

Kites called sled kites billow in the wind. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some have long tails that float with the breeze.    

 

I thought this BIG yellow jellyfish had a circular design like a real jellyfish, until I walked down the beach and saw it from a different angle.

 

 

 

 

The clown fish under a wave kite changed as viewed from several points along the beach.

 

 I’m not sure about this cow…???  Although the owners also wore white clothing with black spots. Hmm

 

 

 

The cat, Garfield (?), lay on the beach until midafternoon. Then the wind offered enough strength to lift him off the sand and a few feet into the air.

 


 

 

These wind tubes also need a strong wind to get them off the beach.

 

 

 

The eyes however never left the beach.  The big blue eyes just rolled a bit and kept an eye on you.

 

 

The frogs, rings and Superdog added interest to the other flying shapes.

 

 

Kites of various geometric designs created and interesting look as they flew on display.

 

 

 

Kites, Kites, and more Kites high in the sky!

 

 

 

These kiters come prepared for the festival.  Serious kiters invest a great deal in their hobby. Not everyone carries their supplies in trailers  like these.  Many kites fill the bays and storage areas of RVs and their tow vehicles.

 

 

Lawn art fills the campsites. The judges had lots to look at and rate.  Red, White and Blue colors stood out among the displays.

 

 

 Lots of people dressed in patriotic colors, even some of the dogs did too!  I think this is Gracie, but it could be Lily, I have trouble knowing which is which.

Check out this high flyer at rest.  Notice the trapezoid fills the campsite almost from on rig to the next.

 

 

Under the Sea must have been the theme of this display. It reminded me of The Little Mermaid movie.

 

 

 

Complete with vibrant Seahorses and flying Puffins.  Love the seahorses!

 

 

 

Spiky and geometric flyers catch the eye as they twirl on their poles.

 

 

Assorted windsocks and yard art. This Life Saver design intrigues me.

 

 

Carl’s fish put on quite a show, especially when seen from walking on the beach.

 

 

 

Banners stand out as you look down the street.  The duck one made me laugh. The Up Your Wind banner was especially made for this event.

 

Happy Hour signs and spinners speak to the mood of the festival.  Rest, relaxation and fun!






 

We found this festival to be a laid back, high flying, and colorful event. Glad we were here!