The Exchange Club Kite Showcase & Contest presented by H-E-B

For the fastest, strongest and weirdest kites!

Open to all ages, all kinds of kites, 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. Registration opens at 11:00 AM at the Contest Field. The contest and showcase begins at 1:00 PM.

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

Contest Categories:

50 Yard Dash – 1:00 PM

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. 

Highest Angle Kite – 1:20 PM Youth | 1:40 PM 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.

Steadiest Kite – Youth: 2:00 PM | Adult: 2:20 PM

Winning kite is the least active kite in the air with or without a tail. Steadiest kite event has Youth and Adult categories.

Best Kite Pilot – Youth: 2:40 PM | Adult: 3:00 PM

Open to both youths and adults. 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.

Smallest Kite – 3:20 PM

Entries must fly on 25 feet of line higher than the point of mooring.

Most Unusual Kite – Youth: 3:40 PM | Adult: 4:00 PM

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

Largest Kite – 4:20 PM

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.

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

  • All kinds of kites are accepted.
  • Youth competitions are for contestants up to 16 years of age. 
  • 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 11:00 AM. Contest begins at 1:00 PM.
  • 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. 
  • Contestants are requested to report to the contest field with their kite 10 minutes prior to their category start time. Start times are approximate depending upon wind conditions and number of contestants.