By the way – in case you’re inclined to search – Grayland is on Washington State Route 105 between Westport and Tokeland. No - Don’t ask me about THAT last name, either...

I mention that, because you’ll need to find someplace to stay if you attend this fest – probably in Westport. There’re plenty of inns and motels in Westport to chose from, but nothing worth looking at near Grayland unless you’d like to camp in the state park nearby.

Okay, already… What can I expect to see?

Well, first off – full AKA sanctioned Sport Kite competitions, for one thing. And an amazing variety of Single Line Kites (SLKs), banners, line-laundry, and various other “wind art” for another. And besides, the “banquet” and raffle at the local Grange-Hall on Saturday night always rivals any fest I’ve ever been to for all around great camaraderie and fun!

Details? You want Details?

By the way, with the AKA competition “year” ending at the end of July, you should expect some hot competition for AKA points for national rankings and subsequent much sought-after invitations to the AKA Grand National competition in October. Therefore, you can count on competitions that’re hot, Hot, HOT!!!

For the KITE DISPLAYS and FREE-FLIES, the Windriders set up south of the entrance, with each individual’s or group’s kites flown over the dunes. You’ll find plenty of expert kitemakers in attendance, displaying all manner of marvelous kites and other wind-related works of art. By the way, these nice folks are all VERY approachable, so feel perfectly free to drop by and chat with any flier that strikes your fancy. They’d love to talk with you.

And for SERVICES, you’ll likely find an Information Booth on wheels right at the entrance to the beach. You’ll also find a few vendor booths nearby, offering snacks and drinks to make sure you don’t starve or perish of thirst. Warning – they can get pretty busy around the traditional noon-hour… And Port-A-Potties, while not exactly plentiful, are certainly available for your needs. Finally, the local Sheriff’s patrol the beaches and stand ready to assist with any immediate needs within their perview. Need something more? Then you’ll probably have to make the trek into Westport – the closest sizable town.

Well – that about explains all of it, but you can’t possibly get the full, heady flavor of this marvelous Westport Windriders festival without attending! So if you happen to be within a few hundred miles of the place, this one is certainly well worth the trip! See you there?

       Dave "Geezer" Shattuck