Friday, April 12, 2024

Santa Barbara Kite Festival, Sunday April 21, 2024

The Santa Barbara Kite Festival Rescheduled to April 21 at SBCC’s West Campus by Edhat ReaderEdhat Reader April 11, 2024, 5:14 am 1.1kViews 2Comments Santa Barbara Kite Festival free fly 2019 (Courtesy) [UPDATE]: Due to rain in the forecast, The Santa Barbara Kite Festival, originally scheduled for this Sunday April 14th, has been moved to 11am-4pm Sunday April 21st on the west campus at Santa Barbara City College. By the Santa Barbara Kite Festival The 2024 Santa Barbara Kite Festival returns 11am to 4pm this Sunday, April 14th to the “Great Meadow” on the west campus of Santa Barbara City College! This year’s theme is “Love is a Breeze!” Festival Kite Master Rakesh Bahadur and director David Hefferman selected this year’s festival theme to celebrate the love, laughter, and togetherness of families and friends at the festival. The “Childrens Tail Chase” is guaranteed to generate even more fun and laughter at the event. The tail chases feature groups of kids chasing and capturing the tail of a kite expertly flown by Mr. Bahadur. The festival schedule is full with family-friendly kite contests including “Most Beautiful” (handmade & commercial), “Highest Flying”, “Largest & Smallest Kites”, ”Youngest & Oldest Kite Flyers”, “Most Unique Or Unusual Kite”, “Funniest Kite”, “Most Unflyable Kite”, “Best Handmade Kite” (a new category), and “Best of Fest” – recognizing the best overall kite entry and participant of the day. Finally, festival organizers will select this year’s winner of the “Lion Award”- created in the memory of local legend Chad Dreier and presented by the Dreier family. The “Great Meadow” is located on the west campus of Santa Barbara City College, 973 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, Ca 93109. Admission to the festival is free. Parking is available on both west campus and the main campus. Kites, food, and beverages can be purchased at the event. Thanks to a 2007 proclamation by the Santa Barbara City Council, April is officially designated as “Kite Month” in Santa Barbara, The Santa Barbara Kite Festival has also been recognized by the city for its annual contributions to community recreation and family fun. Santa Barbara’s kite month of April is promoted in coordination with the National Kite Month of April – co-founded by the American Kite Flyers Association and the Kite Trade Association International . Free flying of your kite is allowed & encouraged outside of the Festival Flying Safety Zone (approx 75 yard area marked off at Festival for events listed below). Note: This schedule is wind & conditions dependent and may change without notice. Please respect the event participants in the competition area Do not fly your kite or your child’s kite over the competition area please. Santa Barbara Kite Festival -Green cap & blue skies 2019 (Courtesy) Children’s Tail Chase Game, Santa Barbara Kite Festival 2014 (Courtesy) No Kite Fighting exhibitions Private Play allowed at the Festival CHILDRENS’ KITE TAIL CHASE 11am-330pm Top & Bottom Of Hour- GAME- groups of kids chase and try to capture the kite master’s kite tail. Age groups ranging from ages 3-4/5, 6-8, 8-12, Please fill out a participation waiver at the information booth, 12:45pm: MOST BEAUTIFUL- COMMERCIAL & HANDMADE KITES 1:15 pm YOUNGEST & OLDEST FLYERS 1:45 pm MOST UNIQUE KITE, MOST UNUSUAL KITE 2:15 FUNNIEST KITE, MOST UNFLYABLE KITE! 2:45 pm LARGEST KITES, HIGHEST FLYING KITES 3:15pm BEST OF FEST & Lion Award! TIME TBC SPORT FLYER & TOY/AERIAL DEMOS FAQs (frequently asked questions about the event) BATHROOMS ARE EASY WALKING DISTANCE in the LRC (Library Center – the building directly east of the festival), and portable restrooms. Kites on sale at the event Summerland Catering (Tinker’s Hot Dogs) and beverages for sale Free Admission, plenty of parking (some metered, some free in upper lots) www.sbkitefest.net www.facebook.com/santabarbarakitefestival For more info, visit our website at www.sbkitefest.net, our facebook page/santabarbarakitefestival, or call 805-637-6202. For info about National Kite Month go to www.nationalkitemonth.org, and www.kite.org. Information and photo from ED HAt Newsletter

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Eclipse Viewing Party April 8

Eclipse Viewing Party in Goleta At Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta APRIL 8, 2024 / 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Watch the solar eclipse with us at Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace!* Looking directly at a solar eclipse is dangerous, so we’re offering two cool ways to safely experience this cosmic phenomenon. Enjoy a closer view through our specially filtered solar telescopes and get your own pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last ($4.59 plus tax, proceeds support the Museum). The main action will take place starting at 10:06 AM, when the Moon begins to move in front of the Sun. Our best viewing will be 11:11 AM, when the approximately 55% partial eclipse visible from our region will be most impressive. By 12:19 PM, the Moon will have moved totally out of the way, and we'll enjoy normal solar telescope viewing for the remainder of our party (weather permitting). This free public eclipse viewing party in Goleta is presented by the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU) in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's Astronomy Programs. Can't come to the party? Check out our eclipse tips, including special tips just for teachers on the Astronomy Programs page. *In the sunken plaza in front of Starbucks and Los Agaves Partial eclipse photo by NASA/Norah Moran/Johnson Space Center ASTRONOMY ALL AGES FEATURED Information from the SB Museum ofNatural HistoryNewsletter

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Santa Barbara International Film Festival Opens Wednesday for 39th Annual Celebration

Downtown Santa Barbara is about to come alive with the glitz and glamour of the silver screen as the 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) kicks off on Wednesday evening. With its rich history and reputation as one of California’s premier film events, the festival promises an exquisite showcase of international cinema, inspiring stories, and unforgettable cinematic experiences. The opening night of SBIFF is always a highly anticipated affair, and this year is no exception. Film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and celebrities from around the world will gather at the historic Arlington Theatre, ready to embark on a remarkable cinematic journey that will unfold over the course of the festival. As the curtains rise, attendees will be treated to the world premiere of a highly anticipated film, selected for its artistic merit and ability to captivate audiences. The screening will set the tone for the entire festival, offering a glimpse into the artistic vision and storytelling prowess that awaits moviegoers in the days to com The festival will open with an already sold-out World Premiere of Disney’s MADU. The film’s subject, Anthony Madu, went viral in 2020, touching the hearts of people around the world after his dance teacher posted a 44-second clip of him dancing ballet in the rainy streets of Lagos. The documentary, from Academy Award nominee Matt Ogens and ‘Kachi Benson, follows 12-year-old Madu as he leaves his family and community in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world in England. Having never left his home outside of Lagos, Anthony finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dreams are suddenly within reach. His courageous journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles as he searches for belonging and acceptance, a family far away, and unexpected challenges that could impact his future. “Forming a rich and immersive tapestry told on multiple continents, MADU introduces the world to a boy chasing a dream of inspiration that will resonate with us all,” the film states. Beyond the captivating films, SBIFF is known for its tribute programs that honor some of the most remarkable talents in the industry. This year the festival will present awards to Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, Annette Bening, and more. These tributes provide an opportunity for attendees to gain unique insights into the creative processes and achievements of these artists. Throughout the festival’s duration, downtown Santa Barbara will be filled with film screenings, panel discussions, and educational programs. These diverse events aim to foster dialogue, inspire aspiring filmmakers, and offer unique perspectives on the ever-evolving world of cinema. From thought-provoking documentaries to cutting-edge independent films, the festival curates a wide array of genres and filmmakers, ensuring there is something for every film enthusiast. Many events are already sold out but there’s still time to buy tickets. Learn more here: https://sbiff.org/