Summer is the time for festivals, and we’ve got some pretty terrific ones in Nebraska. In July, people gather at Lake McConaughy from miles around for Kites & Castles, an event that celebrates everything fun about summer on the beach.

This annual event is now in its 28th year. It takes place on the beach of Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest lake and one of the state's most popular recreational destinations.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
The family-friendly event invites participants to the beach to build and sculpt their own unique beach masterpieces.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Participants can register under Open Class, Family Class, or Youth Class.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Teams of all ages and ability levels participate, resulting in entries that range from amazingly intricate...
Facebook/Kites & Castles
...to charmingly creative...
Facebook/Kites & Castles
...to just plain adorable.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Facebook/Kites & Castles
This winner from 2008 almost looks real!
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Sculptors can get super creative with their entries, which range from cute and cartoony...
Facebook/Kites & Castles

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...to ultra-realistic.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Teams work tirelessly to build their unique creations in the allotted time...
Facebook/Kites & Castles
...before the judges come to give their scores.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Winning is always nice, but the best part of this festival is spending time on the sunny beach.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
There's always a fun atmosphere on Lake Mac, but during events like Kites & Castles it gets downright festive.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Facebook/Kites & Castles
People wander between the sculpt sites, watching the artists work and seeing the awesome sand creations come together.
Facebook/Kites & Castles
The Nebraska-themed entries are always among the most popular!
I Love Lake Mac
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Of course, there's a second element to the Kites & Castles event - the kites!
Facebook/Kites & Castles
Attendees are invited to bring their kites to fly them high over the beach, adding a whole other dimension to this already fabulously fun time.

Unfortunately, Kites & Castles was canceled in 2015 due to high water levels, but it returned in 2016. The 2017 event is planned for July 29th. The exact location is yet to be determined based on water levels; keep up on the latest news on the event’s website or Facebook page.

For another big kite event in Nebraska, check out the Callaway Kite Flight that takes place over Labor Day weekend.

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