Thrills and Family Fun Highlight the Outer Banks Kite Festival in Kitty Hawk

Fun and Flight at the Outer Banks Kite Festival

It was a vibrant weekend in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, as families flocked to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for the annual Outer Banks Kite Festival on September 13 and 14. The park, known for its sweeping dunes and gentle winds, offered the perfect backdrop for an event that brings together kite enthusiasts and families to celebrate the joy of flying kites. With smiles and laughter filling the air, there was no shortage of excitement as both seasoned pilots and newcomers explored the wonderful world of kiting.

The Thrill of Kiting

As the sun beamed down, up to a dozen large kites turned the skies into a spectacular show of color and movement. A staggering 100-foot octopus danced in the breeze, while an 80-foot panda and a 50-foot fish added to the diverse array of kites on display. John Harris, the founder of Kitty Hawk Kites, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I never get tired of seeing people experience kiting for the first time.” Visitors were treated to a plethora of vibrant kites, each telling its own story as it soared against the blue sky.

A Family Tradition

As kite strings were passed from one hand to another, Glenn Davison, an accomplished kite designer and author, noted that simply putting a kite string in someone’s hand instantly ignites joy. “You automatically start smiling,” he said. Many attendees reflected on the festival as a time to bond with loved ones, creating lasting memories with generations of families—moms, dads, kids, and even grandparents—taking part in the colorful celebration. It’s this sense of community and shared experience that makes the festival special.

Learning to Fly

The festival was not just about watching kites fly; it was also a hands-on experience! Phillip Clausen, a stunt kite instructor, provided lessons to eager participants wanting to learn how to maneuver their own kites. Clutching a pink and purple Synapse two-string stunt kite, Clausen guided a middle-aged woman through her first lesson. “The right string makes the kite go left; the left string makes it go right,” he explained with a friendly smile. Under his careful instruction, she soon had control of the kite, and with a few adjustments, she was flying high. It was clear that hands-on learning brought joy to everyone involved.

The Joy of Community

In addition to flying the stunning kites, visitors loved watching the professionals show off their impressive skills. Chris Schultz, vice president and sales manager for HQ Kites, pointed out that kite festivals are special because they create connections between generations. Families were filled with laughter as they ran, chased, and played, with kites soaring gracefully overhead. “The thing about a kite, too, is it makes you look up,” Schultz added, highlighting the simple, yet profound, enjoyment kites bring to people of all ages.

Growing the Love for Kites

As the festival wrapped up, John Harris reflected on the ongoing popularity of kiting, stating that interest peaked during the pandemic but continues to flourish today. “Kiting is timeless, and it offers something fun for everyone,” he said. For Harris, the biggest thrill still comes from seeing families and friends come together to celebrate the beauty of flight.

As the festival concluded, many left with colorful kites, new friends, and the excitement of having experienced the joy of flying. With plans already in motion for next year’s festival, the Outer Banks Kite Festival promises to continue its tradition of fun, family, and the thrill of soaring high in the sky.

Join the Fun Next Year!

If you missed this year’s festivities, don’t worry! The Outer Banks Kite Festival is an annual event, and it’s never too early to start making plans for next year’s celebration of flight and fun. Keep your eyes on the skies, and perhaps next September, you too can grab a kite string, look up, and let the good times soar!