<p>Kites fill the sky in Long Beach, Wash., during the Washington State International Kite Festival in 2012.</p>

LONG BEACH, Wash. Voted best kite festival in the world by Kite Trade Association International, the Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is a week-long kite celebration held annually in Long Beach, Wash. This year it runs Monday, Aug. 19 to Sunday, Aug. 25.

The kite festival has been popular since 1980 and features a competition that has skies ablaze with color, high flying action and choreographed movement. Washingtons Kite Festival draws famous kite fliers from all around the world, and tens of thousands of awed spectators, many of whom participate in the fun with their own kite-flying adventures.

The 2013 WSIKF winning poster was created by self-taught artist David Bright. Born in North Bend, growing up in Warrenton and now living in Long Beach, Wash., Bright has a great love of nature and watercolors. His paintings are currently on display at Campiche Studios in downtown Long Beach.

Be sure to check out the wonderful world of kites at the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame, located at 303 Sid Snyder Drive, Long Beach, Wash. Its the only American museum dedicated exclusively to telling the exciting and amazing story of kites through hands-on exhibits and programs. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children.

For more information about the festival and a schedule for the various kite flying competitions, visit http://kitefestival.com