Kites and banners fly on the beach, Bolstad Street is closed and vendors line up on both sides of the street. Many items are kite-related, as you might expect. Food is always a popular item, and this year sweatshirts were popular since the weather was cool. Childrens’ sand toys were also featured prominently. My only two purchases were a new pair of kite-shaped earrings (purple!) and my annual elephant ear (delicious!).
Dave and I attended the kite festival every day except the last day, when we had to head for home because Dave had two doctor appointments the next day. We usually take a walk on the boardwalk when we are at Long Beach, so attending the kite festival was just part of our usual walk. The parking was a bit harder since Bolstad was closed, but we didn’t have trouble finding a spot any of the days.
One day, Tuesday, there was no wind, so very few kites were flying. No wind is a rare occurrence at the beach! A couple of other days, morning fog meant that my pictures weren’t as clear. The kites were still flying, however. Fog is not rare at the beach, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Grounded kites due to lack of wind
The weekend before the kite festival started, our good friends, Tom and Cindi, joined us at the beach. They camped at the Ilwaco KOA and we stayed at our cabin at Safari Park. We got together for a few meals and for campfires behind our cabin.
Dave and I went to another vespers service at the historic Oysterville Church on that Sunday. This time the Oysterville moment presentation was good, the music was excellent (Celtic harp and mandolin duo), but the pastoral message left us cold. This was the last vespers that we were able to attend this summer. It’s a nice way to spend an hour on a summer Sunday afternoon.
Foggy morning at the kite festival
This weekend is the third and final Safari membership meeting for this year. Some new board members will be elected at Sunday’s meeting, and on Monday morning we’ll attend the annual breakast, originally cooked by the men, but now an equal opportunity for both men and women.
Mass flying of Cody kites in the fog
Luckily most Long Beach residents don’t feel the same as this local!
Dave (somewhat reluctantly) poses for the picture.
Kites have come a far way from the ones I used to make out of newspaper as a kid.
ReplyDeletenice way to spend the week! no wind at the beach?..how can that even be possible?
ReplyDeleteI never knew the wind didn't blow by the ocean. That is a new one on me.
ReplyDeleteWe got to see a kite festival when we visited Oregon. They are glorious.
Dave needs to get his head up there closer. The peace sign is rather creative.
Love kites! Always carry one with us in the motorhome, but somehow rarely get it out of the closet:(
ReplyDeleteWhat a lot of, a lot of kites!!! Yikes!!
ReplyDelete