The 42nd annual Washington State International Kite Festival flew high in the skies over Long Beach last week, drawing thousands of attendees and participants from across the world. The popular, week-long festival, held annually in the third week of August, was met with eager crowds and mostly favorable flying conditions.

LONG BEACH — The 42nd annual Washington State International Kite Festival flew high in the skies over Long Beach last week, drawing thousands of attendees and participants from across the world. The popular, week-long festival, held annually in the third week of August, was met with eager crowds and mostly favorable flying conditions.

“There’s lots of wind and then there’s little wind and everything in between,” said Portland resident Mike Sterling as he readied his bird-style kite, designed by Joel K. Scholz, owner of Sky Delight Kites. Sterling has attended the festival since 1988, and looks forward to the reunion and kite-based camaraderie each year.

“I look forward to it all year,” Sterling said.

“The people here are like family. It’s always fun to come — I wouldn’t miss it!”