Kite flying is not the only reason that this 65-year-old tradition has been put on by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach. Since the festival originated in 1948, there has been an emphasis on community and a promise of a good time — something that San Diego locals have grown to love. Each year, hundreds of people come out to enjoy the live music, craft fair and creative kite designs.

The Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival is believed to be one of the oldest yet still successful kite festivals in the country. At the event, participants will learn how to make and fly a unique, personalized kite, and awards will be given to the most impressive creations. Kite making starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 12 p.m., and judging starts at 1 p.m. More recently, the event chairs have added carnival rides, a live band, a craft fair and all sorts of food and drink options to appeal to all ages. Kiwanis club members and event chairs, Melanie and Jim Nickel, are looking forward to the new additions to this year’s event.

“This year, we are expanding it again, with demonstrations and lessons by professional and skilled amateur kite fliers from all over Southern California. It should be pretty spectacular,” Nickel said.

UCSD students are encouraged to come out and enjoy this year’s festivities or to volunteer to help teach kids how to make kites.

“We always have a need for volunteers, and college students are ideal for teaching the kids how to make their kites. We will teach the volunteers, of course,” Nickel said.