The free family event happens annually in Beautiful Morro Bay

—The 12th year of the Morro Bay Kite Festival is happening on April 27-29, offering new additions including kite surfing, sand surfing, kite fighting, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) ‘wind is power’ competition, and more. “Our goal is to add new wind-based entertainment to the already strong Kite Festival,” said Teri Bayus, event coordinator for Morro Bay Kite Festival. “With the addition of exciting happenings that all can try, we have added much new wind and sand based activities. We are excited to have PG&E as our platinum sponsor and the key sponsor to the Wind is Power Competition.”

The first night will bring a kite fighting display. Popularized in the book “The Kite Runner,” this popular events pits teams trying to cut kites out of the sky with precision flying and skill. They will have the “Welcome Flyers Party” at Tognazzini’s Dockside, where the public can chat with some of the best kite flyers, hailing from San Francisco to LA.

The Morro Bay Kite Festival is the start of the kite flying season,” said Shaun Farmer, the festival originator. “Kiting in America is often associated with children, but do not mislead! The rest of the civilized world rates kites as a means of artistic expression, cultural validation, and religious fervor. The kites that come to Morro Bay are valued in at thousands of dollars. The single line “show kites” are flown on a rope that has a breaking strength of 1,000 lb. Some kites are very special, perhaps less than a handful of some exist in the entire country.”

On Saturday at 10 a.m., the fun begins with over 20 vendors offering food and toys, and GoWesty as a sponsor. The US Air Force will be featuring assets including amphibian vehicles, choppers and more. Kids of all ages can try Kite Surfing or Sand Surfing. At 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. they will do a Candy Drop from a huge kite. There will be free kites for the first 500 children.

The Wind is Power Competition will be housed at Morro Bay High school from 1-4 p.m. where children will display their STEM projects showing how they can harness the power of wind to create power. The Platinum sponsor, PG&E is excited to be a part of this new competition that will include indoor kite flying demonstration. “PG&E is proud to support the Morro Bay Kite Festival. The Wind is Power Competition allows us to pair that commitment with our focus on a clean energy future. By educating students on the importance of wind power, we can both inspire them, and provide them with valuable tools for making an impact in their local communities,” said Pat Mullen, Director of PG&E’s Los Padres Division.

Saturday night is the “Flying High Fish Fry” at Giovanni’s where you can mingle with the kite flyers and get a discounted meal for Kite Festival goers for $9.99.

“Our goal is to bring all individuals, families, and all generations together in a safe, relaxing and fun environment, to learn and participate in the art of kite flying, Morro Bay style, “ said Jennifer Little, Tourism Manager for the City of Morro Bay. “Our activities will attract young and old to celebrate all the wind provides and the people that harness it. Our breathtaking surroundings and the windy location is perfect for this gathering on the Central Coast. “

For more information on Morro Bay Kite Festival, contact Teri Bayus with questions for opportunities at teribayus@gmail.com, or by calling (805) 305-0579, www.morrobaykitefestival.org