Austin, TX

February was a strange month here in Austin. We had a record high of 92F. 92F in February. That’s just not right! Meanwhile up in Seattle they had snow which really doesn’t happen all that often in Seattle proper.

This weekend brings one of my very favorite events. The Zilker Kite Fest, now in it’s 80th year. This is a great event for kids of all ages. Usually I can’t keep my youngest brother away but he’s run off to Miami to spend time with one of my other brothers. I hope the weather holds up for it.

My friends Donald and Lucy will be there painting faces so be sure to stop by their booth and tell them Kyla sent you. They do great work. My friend Tye will also be there selling kites. Tye owns World Wind Kites, a wonderful kite shop that never fails to have my kite-loving brother drooling. Every time he comes to town he wants to go there! Poor Tye, he’s love to be flying his kites and having fun at the Kite Fest but is always stuck selling kites instead. He’s happy for the business, though. Be sure to check out his booth and stop by his store, too. Tell him hi for me. He’s a great guy!

There will be free shuttle rides. Don’t try parking at Zilker. It’s not going to happen and you’ll just get frustrated trying. You can Park and Ride at the State Garage East at 17th and Colorado. Shuttles begin at 10am (last one leaves park at 5:30 pm).

When: Sunday March 2, 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Zilker Park
$$$: FREE

The weather is calling for scattered thunderstorms. In the even that it rains, the rain date is Sunday March 9, 2008. To check the weather call the Zilker Kite Festival hotline at (512) 448-KITE (5483).

The event has food vendors, kite workshops and contests and lots of fun stuff. You can also bring your own lunch and have a picnic. The food booths tend to attract long lines and last year there were no ATMs so bringing your own can be a good option if you want to avoid the lines and save money.

Please be sure to take sunscreen with you, especially if you have children. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people horribly burned at these type of outdoor events. Especially when there is a cool wind blowing. It’s deceptive and sneaks up on you. Also take water if you and stay hydrated. They do have porta-potties but I always carry some tissue in case they run out.

Austin, Texas, Events, Kite, Festival, Zilker, Park, World Wind Kites, Tye, Curvy Canvas, Donald, Ludy, free, hotline, March, 3/2/08