OCEAN CITY — Ocean City will kick off the season early by painting the sky this weekend with every color under the sun at the 20th Annual Maryland International Kite Expo (M.I.K.E.).
Starting today through Sunday, the festival will be showcasing a spectacular cast of kite flyers from all over the United States. Thousands of spectators will watch giant kites, as big as a city bus, fly high above the Ocean City skyline.
In addition, stunt teams will perform amazing acrobatic maneuvers all in sync to the delight of the crowds. The teams consist of four or more precision kite fliers, all flying four line kites in perfect formation. They are the Thunderbirds of the kiting world. They will perform amazing routines choreographed to music. Team demos will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This year organizers will host the Mid-Atlantic Sport Kite Championships directly in front of the Kite Loft at 5th Street on Saturday and Sunday. Competition events as well as individual and team demonstrations will take place.
“Spectators will experience the thrill of watching sport kite demonstrations and get the opportunity to meet the greatest kite flyers in the world. Visitors will understand why Ocean City is the Kite Capital of the World,” said Jay Knerr of The Kite Loft. “Ocean City is one of the best places in the world to showcase kites. It is home to the world’s largest kite retailer [Kite Loft] and now to America’s most exciting kite festival. Hundreds of kite fliers from east coast clubs and sport kite competitors from around the country will fill the sky with an explosion of color, a photographer’s dream come true.”
Entertainment throughout the weekend festival will include free sport kite lessons and a “How to fly a kite” field offered in front of The Kite Loft between 5th and 6th Streets on the beach during the day on Saturday and Sunday; giant kite exhibitions at 4th Street will be coordinated by Jeff and Joyce King; demo teams will perform Quad line demos on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; east coast kite clubs will showcase their kites with incredible air and ground displays from 2nd to 6th streets along the Boardwalk; and music will be played throughout the day at The Kite Loft on 5th Street.
The event will take place on the beach from 3rd to 6th streets. This is a free event and the general public is encouraged to bring their kites and have a fun-filled day of kite flying. Sponsors of the event include the Town of Ocean City, Shenanigans Pub, The Shoreham Hotel, Alaska Stand and The Kite Loft.