Festival a flying success

SURF Coast residents flocked to Fishos Beach on Sunday to see spectacular kites on display at the Surf Coast Kite Festival.

There were giant stingrays, jellyfish, turtles and even a frog gracing the skies.

Adding to the spectacle were 250 kites that were handmade by children at the festival.

Local business owner Chris Owen from Moby Café, who was there with his four young children, believed it was a great event for the whole community.

“I would love to see it happen every year,” Chris said.

Kite Festival event coordinator Sarah Bolus said the aim of the festival had been to provide a fun, family-friendly event and that the day had exceeded all expectations.

“Over 2,000 people turned out for the event,” Sarah said.

“In addition to local families we had visitors from all over the Geelong region, and a few people travelled from as far as Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne to join in.”

The Jan Juc Pre-School Kite Festival Organising Committee spent more than 12 months planning the event, with about 150 volunteers who helped out on the day.

“Our teachers and volunteers were amazing and when the crowds exceeded expectations, they rolled up their sleeves and chipped in wherever they were needed,” Sarah said. “We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. But we also belong to a wonderful community of people.”

The festival offered spectacular giant kite displays, kite making, recycled art and craft, story-time, face-painting, a Lego tent and an obstacle course hosted by the Torquay Toy Library that proved to be very popular.

Live music was provided by local folk duo the Fire Birds, musician Steve Thew, African Spirit Drumming and Dance and the kids from Bellbrae Choir.