WILDWOOD – The Wildwoods will officially kick off the 2014 summer season at the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony and the unveiling of their first Wildwoods Icon Wall Mural at noon May 23 on the beach at Roberts Avenue. A large, ornate key will be used to ‘unlock’ the ocean and open the summer season.
Bobby Rydell – the subject of the first in a series of planned Wildwoods Icon Wall Murals – is scheduled to be in the Wildwoods for the unveiling and ocean unlocking, along with local, county and state officials.
The 29th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest kite festival in North America, also begins that day and features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible colorful creations. The kite festival officially starts at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 23 featuring an illuminated night kite fly on the beach at Rio Avenue. However, many colorful kites will be in the air for the Unlocking Ceremony.
The Kite Festival continues May 24 and May 25, starting at 9 a.m. daily, with the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships featuring the best sport kite pilots in the United States. The championships are comprised of a variety of competitions for individuals, pairs and teams. New this year will be a mass ascension of kites that will fill the sky on Saturday featuring arches, and May 25 featuring trains, both starting at 10 a.m.
Also during the weekend, join in the Candy Drop, Running of the Bols, Rev Games or Rokkaku Team Challenge; fly a kite on the Learn to Fly Field or watch the Fighter Kite Competition. More fun is to be had with kite exhibits and workshops on the beach. Also returning this year May 25 is the 5th annual Scott E. Spencer Memorial Wildwood Kitemaker’s Competition sponsored by the South Jersey Kite Flyers.
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival Auction will be held in the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7 p.m. May 24 night. The auction is open to the public and many unique kites and collectibles will be up for bid.
The kite festivities conclude with the World Indoor Kite Competition in the Wildwoods Convention Center May 26 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Kite fliers will showcase their impressive ability to fly a kite without wind and performances will be choreographed to music.
For additional information about the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, please call 732-822-4884 or visit www.SkyFestivals.com.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.