Flying high in Bali

SANUR, Bali (JP): A total of 581 contestants are taking part in the three-day Bali Kite Festival 2000, which began on Friday.

"This year's event is bigger than the previous one. Apart from local participants, foreigners from the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore have turned up for the festival," said chairman of the organizing committee Rai Andayana.

The best kites will be judged for their size, construction, color and maneuverability.

Many youths from local villages are taking part in the annual festival. Some of the villages reportedly spent up to Rp 3 million on one kite. (zen/09)