Newport Police are urging drivers to plan ahead this weekend as the Newport Kite Festival returns to Brenton Point State Park for its 40th anniversary, with an estimated 20,000 attendees expected over two days.
Detours will be in place on Ocean Avenue at Harrison Avenue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Officers will be in the area assisting with traffic control. Heavy traffic is expected citywide.
The festival, founded in 1986 through Newport’s cultural exchange with its Japanese sister city of Shimoda, is free to the public and entirely volunteer-run. Mayor Charles Holder has proclaimed July 11 and 12 “Newport Kite Festival Days” in recognition of the milestone anniversary, also recognizing festival director Ron Kitt, who has led the event for 19 years.
Brenton Point State Park is on Ocean Drive. More information is at newportkitefestival.com.
