AUSTIN, Texas -- An 88-year-old Austin tradition has a new management team, which plans to run it for the rest of this century.
The Zilker Kite Festival began in 1929 and has been operated ever since by the Exchange Club of Austin. ABC Home and Commercial Services began donating to the Kite Festival three years ago, owner Bobby Jenkins said. At the time, the Kite Festival faced an uncertain future due to donation shortages.
As of Friday, ABC is the new sponsor of the Kite Festival. The company's leadership will oversee operations and fundraising.
"It is the largest family-centric, alcohol-free event in the city," Jenkins said. "We are very proud of that."
MORE | Zilker Kite Festival
The Exchange Club will still run the kite competitions.
"Only criteria for the contest is (that) you have to make your kite," Exchange Club President Dorsey Twidwell said. "There are kite building workshops spread across the field."
ABC's contract is 25 years long with two 25-year extensions.
The Kite Festival is Sunday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at Zilker Park.