Gavin Fairbanks, 7, of Covington, runs along the beach with his kite during the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival.
Although they weren’t competing, simply sharing the kite-flying passion with others was the best part according to attendee David Anderson, pictured. Anderson, 19, made the trip from Chicago with his father to attend the festival, bringing along their ‘Mosaic’ kites, a design modeled after the popular Revolution-style sport kites.
Vendors line Bolstad beach approach, offering diverse food and gift options for the tens of thousands who attended the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival.
Kite-flying aficionados were rewarded with amazing views upon arrival at the beach.
Long-time resident and photographer Jane Webb said the 40th festival’s colorful crowded skies reminded her of the event’s remarkable popularity in the 1980s.
Kite-flying fans from around the world found their way to Long Beach last week.
Logan Kitchens, 6, of Portland, watches closes as his kite rises with a gust of wind during kite festival.
The weeklong event, held annually in Long Beach since 1981, drew thousands of spectators Monday through Sunday to Bolstad Beach Approach, the primary thoroughfare leading to the daily kite-related events and activities on the beach.
Master kite flier Donna Wendt, a current indoor champion and record holder for indoor kite flying, performs during the festival in Long Beach.
Festival attendees abandon their bikes to admire the kites above during the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival last week.
Master kite flier Paul Dugard prepares to perform during the kite festival Wednesday afternoon in Long Beach.
Spectators watch from the dunes during the 40th annual Washington State Kite Festival in Long Beach.
A kite flier registers prior to performing at the kite festival in Long Beach.
A lack of wind kept some kite fliers grounded for a short time Wednesday afternoon.
Professional kite fliers bump elbows following an event during the kite festival in Long Beach. The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to covid-19.
A kite flier, who went by Barry, performs during the kite festival in Long Beach.
Paul Dugard prepares to perform during the kite festival Wednesday afternoon in Long Beach.
A kite flier inspects a colossal kite as it inflates during the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival last week.
The 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival has been held annually in Long Beach since 1981.
A kite flier prepares to launch their kite during the 40th annual kite festival last week.
Master kite flier Donna Wendt, a current indoor champion and record holder for indoor kite flying, performs during the festival in Long Beach.
Kite designer Cat Gabrel prepares to launch a kite during the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival last week.
A kite flier prepares to perform in front of spectators during the kite festival in Long Beach.
Spectators watch the kites above while resting on a bench near Discovery Trail during the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival last week.
LONG BEACH — Kite fanatics from around the world made their way to Long Beach for the 40th annual Washington State International Kite Festival last week.
The week-long spectacle, held annually in Long Beach since 1981, drew thousands of spectators Monday through Sunday to Bolstad beach approach, the primary thoroughfare leading to the daily kite-related events and activities on the beach.
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