It's that time of year again. You can look into the sky and see flying birds and butterflies, cats and dogs, geckos and lobsters, fish and octopi. The 8th Annual SPI Kite Fest, sponsored by B&S Kites, is scheduled for February 2-3. The festival runs Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the flats just north of the Convention Centre on South Padre Island. Admission is free and the public is invited to enjoy the spectacular kite displays, performances, demos, free lessons and more. This year guest performer John Barresi, from Portland, Oregon, returns for the third year in a row.  John is a national quad-line and dual-line kite champion. He has flown as a member of national as well as World Cup kite teams. He has traveled the world entertaining audiences with his kite flying skills and innovative performances. Accompanying Barresi again this year will be quad-line teammate, David Hathaway, from Vancouver, Canada, as well as Jim Cosca of Hyattsville, Maryland, Steve de Rooy of Victoria, Canada, and Todd Rudolph from Vancouver, Washington will also be on hand. Together the five will perform awesome routines as the nationally known flying group I-Quad. There are eight members total on the world touring team, and the presence of these five members of the team represents a major sport attraction for the SPI festival. Team EOL from Austin will be returning this year to perform as well. If you have never seen this group perform before, you are in for a treat. Led by Eddie Zihlman and accompanied by Jim Cox, Michael Boswell and Ben Gray, these guys are something to see. Jerry Cannon, a member of the two-time world-champion team Cutting Edge from Ocean Shores, Washington, along with his wife Marcia are also a part of dazzling line-up this year. Also, Troy Gunn, of Wichita Falls, has the unique ability of flying two sport kites all by himself, and will perform for the SPI crowds. Tom Brailey, past AKA Region 5 director from Kentwood, Michigan, will also be at the festival to dazzle the crowds with his fighter kite ballet routines. Bariley is also planning a workshop on building and flying fighter kites. The workshop will also be held on Friday at the Radisson Resort. Doug and Linda LaRock, from Yakima, Washington, will be back this year with their 28- and 40-foot delta kites. Always an impressive display, their act also includes a 90-foot spinsock, all of which are designed and sewn by Doug himself. Doug will also be giving a workshop on Friday at the Radisson Resort on how to make a large delta. For more information on attending these free workshops, call B&S Kites at (956) 761-1248. Gayle Woodul, AKA Region 8 director from the Austin area, will be bringing her magnificent display. With help from Steven and Dyana Ploof, you might just see an 88-foot flying octopus and a couple of 23-foot Fugus. Bringing out more of the ‘big’ stuff will be Barb & Phil Burks of Portland, Oregon, with their unique rainbow Octopus, and Rick Hawkins from South Houston with his giant Geckos. And the ‘big’ stuff does not stop there. Rounding out the single line display area is Barry & Karen Ogletree from Lufkin. They will be displaying their Sutton foils, giant flying fish, shark, ray, scuba diver and more. And, of course, the festival would not be complete without special performances of our own local Team SPI. The team is made up of Jeff and Donna McCown from Harlingen and Guy Blatnik from South Padre Island.  If you've ever driven by the flats on a Saturday morning, you've probably seen this group practicing. Many Winter Texans will be adding to the festival as well. These volunteers are all part of the extended family that makes up the SPI Kite Fest. Festival organizers credit the success and growth of the festival to their efforts and dedication over the past few years. As well as special performances from ‘Wolfman’ to ‘Superman’ to “Monkeyman’ to ‘Phantom of the Opera’  (weather permitting, of course), there will be silent auctions going on throughout both days. And a visit to the fest would not be complete without stopping by the main tent and registering for free kite giveaways. Food will be available to purchase from the Laguna Madre Christian Academy. On Saturday evening following the festival there will be a banquet and live auction held at the Radisson Resort.  Banquet tickets are $15 per person and are available at B&S Kites. Advance tickets are required to attend this year’s banquet. Organizers say this year’s festival is going to be the biggest and best ever. Bring your lawn chairs and sunscreen and be prepared for exciting kite action at the flats.   For additional information, contact Bill and Susie Doan at B&S Kites at (956) 761-1248.