The annual OB Kite Festival to be held Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Robb Field, 2525 Bacon St., is observing a major milestone this year.
“This is the 70th annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival, and it is the oldest kite festival for children in the country,” said Melanie Nickel, spokesperson for the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach, which co-sponsors the event along with Ocean Beach Recreation Center.
Nickel noted the fun event is multi-faceted. “Children are taught how to make and fly a simple kite, and there are prizes for the best decorated kite,” she said, adding, “It’s all free.”
The event is new and improved for another reason.
“It is moving to a new location this year – Robb Field instead of Dusty Rhodes Park,” Nickel said. “This should give us more room for the professional kite fliers to do their spectacular displays, more room for the kids to fly their kites, and much more parking.”
Kite festival attendees can expect:
– To make and decorate kites;
– To get materials, instructions and help with kite making;
– Receive prizes;
– Fly and show off their kites;
– See exotic kites and watch professionals do tricks;
– Participate in a carnival to include artisans, booths and food trucks;
– Groove to the live music of Beer Feat from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, visit oceanbeachkiwanis.org.