Kite Convention in Wildwoods New Jersey 2011

by Linda Sanders
(Adelaide, SA, Australia)

Imagine being fortunate enough to have "to fly kites" as your reason to visit when asked by US Immigration, "why have you come to the USA?"

Each year I attend the annual Kite Convention for the American Kitefliers Association - the world's largest volunteer-based kite club with members in over 37 countries. In 2011 it was held on the east coast in Wildwoods. (If you've ever watched the TV Reality Show "The Jersey Shore" this was slightly south of there!)

For six whole days kites filled the beach. Competitions were held every day, kite makers were parading before the judges and fliers tested their skills. Others attended any number of morning workshops being offered by world kite masters.

With kite festivals held every single weekend somewhere in the world, kite flying can become a traveler's joy! France in March, Italy in April, UK in May, not to mention events held throughout Asia... Bali in August, Borneo in September, Singapore in November! And in Australia each September of course, we have Festival of the Winds on Bondi Beach.

My next event will be in Queensland on Kirra Beach. White sands, fresh breezes and traffic jams as cars slow to a crawl while they watch the sky full of color.

Happy to point anyone in the right direction for a kite event!

region13@aka.kite.org, as a volunteer for AKA