Canadian flyer Lam Hoc works his four-line kite through exciting figures. Submitted photo

LONG BEACH, Wash. – Warming a cold winter weekend, the Windless Kite Festival returns to the Long Beach Peninsula Jan. 17 and 18. The indoor kite-flying extravaganza will take place at the Long Beach School Gymnasium at Fourth Street S. and Washington Avenue. Admission is by donation.

The ninth annual event will feature the Northwest’s finest flyers in choreographed solo, duo and trio performances. Each will keep ultra-light kites aloft and dancing with adept flicks of the wrist and movement across the gym floor. Included among the competitive events is the Hot Tricks Shoot Out, where flyers match one challenging stunt after another. Exhibitions begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. both days. Free instruction is offered throughout the weekend for those wishing to give short-line sport kite flying a try.

Competitors must be members of the American Kite Association and may sign up to participate upon arrival. The cost to compete is $10, which covers all events.

This year’s invited flyer is Scott Weider of Coventry, R.I., a top kite flyer who won first place at the American Kitefliers Association indoor flying competition. An entertaining showman, his passion for flying year-round has aided in his recovery from an automobile accident more than a year ago.

For event schedules, call the World Kite Museum at (360) 642-4020 or visit www.worldkitemuseum.com. For destination information, call the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau at (800) 451-2542 or visit www.funbeach.com