The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest sponsored by KXAN and CapMetro

For the fastest, strongest and weirdest kites!

Open to everyone and free to enter, the annual kite contest and showcase is the ABC Kite Fest’s oldest and greatest tradition. Read on to learn how to enter and be sure to register your kite from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Exchange Club’s Contest and Showcase tent on Saturday, April 1. The contest and showcase begins at 1:00 p.m.

Want to make your own kite? Click here to download instructions on how to build Mr. Happy Kite!

Contest Categories:

50 yard dash (Kids only)

Competition is open to children 7 to 12 years of age. Kites will fly on 50 feet of string.  Kite string will be measured before the contest. Contestants will race to the finish line. Winner must have  their kite stay in the air for the whole race. Manufactured kites may be entered in the 50 yard dash.

Steadiest Kite (with or without a tail) (Youth and Adult)

Winning kite is the least active kite in the air. Steadiest kite event has Youth and Adult categories.

Best Kite Pilot (Youth only)

Open to entrants 15 years old and younger. Manufactured kites may be  entered. Judges award prizes for best technical single line kite flying and presentation. Costumes and props  are encouraged. Dual line kites are not eligible to compete. 

Largest Kite

Square footage of the sail area will determine the largest kite. Kite Trains are not allowed.  Kites must be capable of flying for one minute to qualify. Contestants are limited to three attempts in this  event. Kites must be homemade.

Highest Angle Kite (Youth and Adult)

Competitors will release 200 feet of string and  stand on a designated line. The kite flying at the highest angle overhead from the point of mooring wins the  competition. For example, a kite flying directly over your head would win. String will be measured.

Smallest Kite

Entries must be home made and fly on 25 feet of line higher than the point of mooring.

Strongest Pulling Kite

Each kite’s pull will be measured in pounds. Kites must be homemade.

Most Unusual Kite (Youth and Adult)

Entries are judged on theme, construction and  design. Judges will look for odd, striking or novel features and shapes. Kites must be homemade.

Oldest and Youngest Kite Fliers

An award will be presented to the oldest and youngest contest contestants. All contestants must fly a kite unassisted to be eligible for this award. 

Kite Competition Rule & Regulations

  • Kites entered in Highest Angle Kite, Steadiest Kite, Strongest Pulling Kite, Smallest Kite, Most Unusual Kite, and Largest Kite cateogries must be homemade, but not necessarily by the person flying them.  Kites assembled from commercial kits will not be considered homemade. 50 Yard Dash and Best Kite Pilot categories are open to  both homemade and manufactured kites. 
  • Youth competitions are for contestants up to 16 years of age. 
  • Manufactured kites are only eligible for competition in the 50 yard dash or Best Kite Pilot. 
  • Contestants may enter only one kite per event. However, they may enter every event using a different kite for each event. (Exception: 50 Yard Dash) 
  • Kites must fly to qualify for judging. 
  • Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners in each event. Judges decisions are final. 
  • Contestants must register before the contest and display their number at all times. Adults may assist children with their kites. Registration opens at 11am and Closes at 2pm. Contest begins at 1pm. 
  • Kites entered in the contest must not contain a motor or ‘drone’. Powered kites are not acceptable for competition. Dual line kites are not eligible to compete.