OCEAN CITY -- The resort will kick off the season early by painting the sky with every color under the sun at the Maryland International Kite Expo (M.I.K.E.), set for April 27-29.

The festival will be showcasing a spectacular cast of kite flyers from all over the United States. The giant kite field will be coordinated by Jeff and Joyce King. Thousands of spectators will watch giant kites, as big as a city bus, fly high above the Ocean City skyline.

In addition, stunt teams will perform amazing acrobatic maneuvers all in sync to the delight of the crowds. One such team is the Rev Ryders from New England, who are four precision kite fliers, all flying four line kites in perfect formation. They are the Thunderbirds of the kiting world. They will perform amazing routines choreographed to music. Rev Riders will be performing demos on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Team Rev Ryder is a group of dedicated fliers of the Revolution kite who came together in the spring of 2009 with one goal in mind -- the promotion of quad team flying. It's been a mainstay of European kite flying for many years, starting back in the early 90’s in England and eventually spreading to a handful of countries throughout Europe with various groups.

Returning once again for 2011 will be Mid-Atlantic Sport Kite Championships (MASKC).

MASKC will offer the full slate of Eastern League sanctioned disciplines, including the multi-line precision and ballet events.

MASKC will be offering a novice class competition for multi-line precision and ballet. If you haven’t participated in a multi-line competition, this is your chance.

“Spectators will experience the thrill of watching sport kite demonstrations and get the opportunity to meet the greatest kite flyers in the world. Visitors will understand why Ocean City is the Kite Capital of the World,” said Jay Knerr of the Kite Loft. “Ocean City is one of the best places in the world to showcase kites. The resort is home to the world’s largest kite retailer (Kite Loft) and now to America’s most exciting kite festival. Hundreds of kite fliers from east coast clubs and sport kite competitors from around the country will fill the sky with an explosion of color, a photographer’s dream come true.”

Featured attractions throughout the weekend festival will include:

Free sport kite lessons and a “How to fly a kite” field is offered in front of the Kite Loft between 5th and 6th Streets on the beach during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

Free Children’s candy drops will take place through the day
Rev Riders will perform Quad line demos on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

East coast kite clubs will showcase their kites with incredible air and ground displays from 1st to 5th Street along the boardwalk.

Music will be played throughout the day at The Kite Loft on 5th Street and Boards.

The event will take place on the beach from 1st Street to 6th Street. This is a free event and Knerr encourages the general public to bring their kites and have a fun-filled day of kite flying. Sponsors of the event include the Town of Ocean City, Shenanigans Pub, The Shoreham Hotel, Alaska Stand and The Kite Loft.

For more information call The Kite Loft at 410-289-7855 or visit www.kiteloft.com.