Spirits soar at 2024 Southpoint International Klite Festival

Story and photos by Paul Forman

Beauty filled the skies and the grounds of the Pure Flavor Soccer Complex in Leamington this past weekend as families gathered to be awed at the 2024 Southpoint International Klite Festival.

The two-day free event featured over 100 large kites from 30 kite fliers, including a 100-foot octopus, a majestic whale and a terrifying dragon. 

The Windjammers from Michigan wowed those in attendance with their precision commanding their stunt kites, and the four-lined revolution kites impressed all with their aerobatic manoeuvres.

Children of all ages were thrilled to run through the sixty foot spaghetti tunnel, play amongst the slinky sticks or engage in pure silliness in the fart zone.

The northern part of the festival was far more serene and drew the adult eye with an expanded love garden and an ever-growing banners zone.

Saturday evening held a special magic as the community packed the grounds to take in the kites of changing hues and flashing effects set against a clear, night sky.