Kite festival in flux; committee to start permit while confirming lead organizer

Clearlake’s Marketing Committee spent an extended part of Wednesday’s meeting on the fate of the kite festival, an event that members said might be scaled back, postponed, or recast as a smaller demonstration depending on the availability of the lead organizer and professional flyers.

Stephanie told the committee she has tried repeatedly to reach Toby, the contact who had coordinated the festival in prior years, and the lack of confirmation left organizers uncertain about whether the scheduled October 9 date would proceed as planned. "I tried to get a hold of Toby several times," Stephanie said; "he just was not available today, and he didn't have any answers for me." Committee members discussed two paths: run an October demonstration with limited activities and no vendors, or postpone and aim for a larger, sponsor-backed professional festival in April when kite professionals are more available.

Given permitting timelines, the committee directed staff to start the park-permit process immediately so the city would be ready if the October demonstration proceeds. Staff outlined fees and logistics: a park deposit of $100 and a nonprofit event fee of $35, with the possibility of requesting a fee waiver; insurance questions will be reviewed with the city’s new carrier but staff said a demonstration without vendors would likely be acceptable.

Members emphasized caution about promising large-scale features without confirmed vendors or talent; one member said she would prefer a smaller, reliable demonstration to avoid public disappointment. The committee also examined options for sponsorship and vendor revenue if the event were expanded in spring. Final confirmation from Toby and any professional flyers will determine whether the city moves forward with the October demonstration or reschedules for April.