Jasper Webb from Kenai shows off his Iron Man kite during the first Kenai Kite Festival on the Kenai North Beach in Alaska on Saturday, June 15, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Jasper Webb from Kenai shows off his Iron Man kite during the first Kenai Kite Festival on the Kenai North Beach in Alaska on Saturday, June 15, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Festival to takeoff Saturday

Last year’s event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kenai Kite Festival is set to fly this Saturday at the beach rain, wind or shine.

Carol Bannock, the administrative assistant at the City of Kenai Parks and Recreation, said on Thursday that she’s excited for the event.

“It’s amazing and the community has just stepped up,” she said. “People have just come together big time.”

Multiple local Kenai businesses are involved in Saturday’s festival, after last year’s was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Walmart is issuing free kites to festival goers at 10 a.m. on Saturday so they can participate in flying demonstrations by the Alaskiters group from Anchorage.

From noon to 3 p.m. people will be invited to fly their kits at Kenai Beach. The public can also watch the Alaskiters and others fly stunt and other kinds of specialty kites either from the beach or the bluff above.

Starting at 6 p.m. food trucks and the Kenai Joe’s beer garden will open at the Kenai Park Strip off Main Street Loop. Singer Duncan will also perform live music after the festival and the Salvation Army will provide youth games.

Updates will be posted regularly at the event Facebook Page.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

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