Zilker Kite Festival to fly again

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In early December, it looked as if the wind had all but gone out of the sails of the annual Zilker Kite Festival when funds were no longer available.

However, on Monday, festival officials announced the event will color Austin skies once more this spring, as a number of corporate sponsors have come forward to help.

The event was started in 1929, and organizers Dorsey and Bunnie Twidwell have staged the event for more than a decade, along with help from fellow members of the Exchange Club of Austin .

This year, in recognition of the increasing popularity and complexity of the event, the city of Austin has joined with ABC Home Services as a presenting co-sponsor, providing critical support from city services necessary for the success of a large event.

“When we were invited to get involved with the Kite Festival, we jumped at the chance,” explained ABC Home Services CEO Bobby Jenkins. “Generations of Austin’s children have grown up with this family event, and all the proceeds go to support local charities that serve Austin’s children.  As a home-grown, family-owned business, we felt like the festival was a great fit for ABC.”

Other sponsors include Austin Subaru, the Austin Diagnostic Clinic, H-E-B, Akin Gump, Stratus Properties, Amy’s Ice Cream, Clif Bar and Culver’s.