Giant lobster kite flying at the Wright Kite Festival.
We almost didn't get our July 4th fireworks in last night here on the outer banks. A huge storm blew through in the afternoon—almost blew the door off the hinges at the Kitty Hawk Kites main store at Jockey's Ridge Crossing, but by 6:00 the sky had cleared and when the fireworks lit the sky at Nags Head Pier, it was a beautiful evening to watch the show.
From the top of Jockey's Ridge, the manteo and Nags Head fireworks are clearly visible. The action isn't quite as close as being on the beach on in downtown manteo, but it's a very different and glorious way to watch the show.
The next big event for kitty hawk kites is the Wright Kite Festival held at the Wright Brothers Memorial on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. both days.
The Wright Kite Festival is a fantastic family event. Giant kites fill the sky all day, so there will be no doubt that something is happening on the grounds. But what makes this so wonderful is how family oriented it is. There are kite flying demos and lessons; for anyone who is unsure about flying a stunt kite, this is a great opportunity to see what it's all about.
For kids there is kite making time, and the kites really fly.
It will be two great days at the Memorial, so for anyone visiting the outer banks that week, stop by and have some fun.
The Wright Kite Festival is a great example of how the National Park Service and local businesses can work together to make the Outer Banks experience a little more special. The festival, which is at least 35 years old, can only occur because of the active participation of the Park Service.
The Wright Kite Festival Schedule of Activities:
Large Display Kites
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kite Flying Lessons
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Kite Making
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
