Are you attending the 30th Annual National AKA Convention, Competition (AKAGN), and Festival? It's going to be in Ocean Shores, Washington from October 1st through the 7th this year.

The 2007 AKAGN marks the second time the AKA Convention has come to Ocean Shores.

If you've already been to an AKA Convention before, you know what to expect. If not, figure on five days of kite workshops and seminars, kiting competitions in flying (both indoors and outdoors) and building kites, pin and small kite challenges, exhibits, auctions and raffles, plus your chance to discuss kiting with fliers from all over the country and around the world!

Now, if you are NOT an AKA member, please be advised that this event is for AKA members only, with no free passes or visitor access or "exceptions" possible, even for their officers. Why? Well, it's the one time during the year when the AKA membership closes its doors to non-members.

So if you want to be there, I'd suggest you go to the AKA website and sign up.

You may want to do some "research" before you commit, so you might want to check out a couple of Internet sources... You should definitely check out the AKA's website.

Now, if you can't make it this year - do the next best thing, and visit Kitelifes annual daily updates from the AKAGN, complete with highlights, photos and results... Not to be missed!

Well, what're some of the highlights?

Monday Night - Early Bird Reception - AKA sponsored gathering.

Thursday Night - No Host Reception - Come join us for a no host reception to coincide with the evening Pin and Smallest Kite Challenges as well as the opening of the Kite Gallery and Fly Market.

Friday Night - Great Kite Auction - This is definitely one of the highlights of the Convention. As you may know, a significant part of the AKA’s annual operating budget comes from the Auction. Donations are necessary to make this fundraiser possible, and we would like to thank you in advance for your generous contributions. (Contact the Auction Chairperson directly at auction@aka.kite.org... Remember, your generous donation IS tax deductible.)

Okay - what's really going on at the AKA Convention this year? (Please be aware, the schedule is tentative at this point. After arriving in Ocean Shores, please refer to your on-site program for official events and times.)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1

Registration, Auction Receiving & Early Bird Reception.

Registration, Auction Receiving, Workshop/Seminars, Mass Ascension, Sport Kite Competitions, Fighter Kite Competitions and Indoor Fly.

Registration, Auction Receiving, Workshop/Seminars, Mass Ascension, Sport Kite Competitions, Fighter Kite Competitions, Kitemakers’ Competition, and Annual Business Meeting.

Registration, Auction Receiving, Workshop/Seminars, Mass Ascension, Kitemakers’ Competition, Fighter Kite Competition, Reception for Miniature Kites and Pin Challenge, and opening of the Fly Market & Kite Gallery.

Registration, Workshop/Seminars, Fly Market, Kite Gallery, Mass Ascension, Sport Kite Competitions, Fighter Kite Competitions, Silent Auction, Loud Auction & Banquet.

Registration, Workshop/Seminars, Fly Market, Kite Gallery, Mass Ascension, Rokkaku Battles, On-Field Kiting Extravaganza, Members’ Choice, Awards & Banquet.

Convention is about kites but it is also about people. It is the ultimate kiting social gathering. Over the course of five nights, we have two banquets, three parties, and plenty of fun flying.

Time is running out, so come on out to Ocean Shores and join the fun... And if you can’t make it, check out our daily updates or start thinking NOW about going to Gettysburg, PA in 2008.

    See you there!

     John Barresi