SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — There’s going to be a sea of colors in the skies of this coastal city.
From a 150-foot octopus to a 32-foot clownfish, many kite fliers will showcase their performance skills and display their “show kites” during this upcoming festival.
B&S Kites will host its annual three-day indoor and outdoor South Padre Island Kite Fest.
The kite fest will kick off Thursday, Jan. 30 with indoor kite performances in the SPI Convention Centre from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
According to B&S Kites co-owner and co-organizer Bill Doan, the kite fest has been hosted for close to 17 years and is having larger crowds.
“It’s the largest in the U.S. and we’re setting another new record for the indoor (event) for Thursday night,” he said. “We’re getting noticed here in South Padre Island.”
Indoor performances
This year’s lineup includes an array of internationally known kite fliers such as John Barresi who holds 31 national championship titles and is the 2018 Open Individual Unlimited Ballet champion.
Barresi will be joined by 2014 AKA National Indoor Champion James Fletcher from Baltimore, Md., and several other kite flyers from various places such as Washington, the United Kingdom and British Columbia.
These indoor kite fliers will put their skills on display as they perform choreographed routines to a mix of jazz, swing, classic and pop music.
Tickets for the indoor kite performances cost $10 per person and can be purchased or reserved in advance by calling B&S Kites.
Tickets will not be available at the indoor event.
Outdoor performances
The kite fest will continue with outdoor performances, which will be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the flats just north of the Convention Centre.
Three teams are scheduled to perform this year — Team KiteLife, Team Misfits and Team End of the Line.
Additionally, a few Winter Texans who organizers say discovered their passion and talent for kite flying will be performing as well.
Admission for the outdoor event is free.
“Bring your lawn chairs, a hat and come out to enjoy,” Doan said. “They’re really fun to watch.”
MORE INFO
IF YOU GO
WHAT — South Padre Island Kite Fest
WHEN — Jan. 30 through Feb. 1
INDOOR PERFORMANCES — Thursday, Jan. 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre, 7355 Padre Blvd.
OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES — Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. on the flats just north of the SPI Convention Centre.
ADMISSION — $10 for indoor performances
ADMISSION — Free for outdoor performances
WEBSITE — www.spikitefest.com
FACEBOOK — https://tinyurl.com/umn3sjh
For more information about the events and sponsoring hotels, call B&S Kites at (956) 761-1248 or email [email protected]
