Finding your way to Greyland can something of a difficulty!  You see... the locals have named the place “Grayland” instead, but the Internet dictionary just wouldn’t let me search on the Greyland name I’d keyed in!  Therefore, it’s a bit tough getting Mapquest to show you the proper location until you get it spelled right.  Still and all, the search is certainly well worth it, because the Kite Festival that happens there every year is simply AWESOME!

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.

The annual Westport Windriders Kite Festival is held on the weekend of July 11th and 12th this year.  And as you might suspect, The Westport Windriders are the sponsors of this event, and they’re one of the more active kite clubs in the state of Washington.  The Windriders fly at the Grayland Beach fairly regularly, so this is their preferred “patch” so to speak.

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?

For the SPORT KITE COMPS, the Northwest Sport Kite League usually sets up north of the beach entrance with plenty of space for parking right by the field.  The NWSKL will run a full two-day schedule of Sport Kite events, including dual and quad line competitions in all three classes – Novice, Experienced, and Masters. In addition, there’ll be pairs and Team competitions and probably an Open Outdoor Unlimited event too. Plus there’s always the chance of a Mystery Ballet and/or a Hot Tricks competition too.  Yep – a full set of competitions. In past years, they’ve even had a short-range radio transmitter hooked up so you can sit in your car and watch the comps while you sip your latte.

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.

Finally, the BANQUET and AUCTION/RAFFLE… It’s held at the local Grange Hall, which is really not all that “local” to the beach.  Still, the Information Booth can tell you how to get there and will likely be more than happy to sell you advance tickets. If not, you can always just pay at the door.  I have to warn you though – you might want to skip the banquet if you’re on a diet!  The food is just marvelous, and nobody ever left hungry that I know of.  Now the evening’s program consists of (1) awards for those events already flown, (2) the AUCTION and RAFFLE, which for some folks is probably the main reason for attending this festival in the first place. Both the quantity and quality of kiting goods up for grabs is just superb, and the fun really happens during the bidding for the auction items. I regularly fly a signed Gibian Mandril kite, picked up in the raffle at the Westport Windriders fest…  Oh – and for you Pin Collectors, there’s also a traditional pin swap-meet after the auction and raffle ends. Bring your pin books and boxes!

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