While this blog is dedicated to Santa Maria Style Barbecue and the surrounding flavors of the Santa Maria Valley, sometimes something comes along that causes us to put down the forks, knives and wine glasses…

On that note, we just can’t resist talking about the first annual Famly Kite Festival brought to you by the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. This free festival takes place on Sunday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park.

The festivities will include a kite chase for children, a “most beautiful” kite contest, and expert “sport flyers.” You can bring your own kite to join the fun, or purchase one on site. Check out this Kitelife Magazine article for more information and a schedule of events, or visit the Discovery Museum web site.

And after you work up an appetite after an afternoon of kite flying, you know what to do: Enjoy a reduced-price menu during the DineOut: Santa Maria Style promotion that is taking place through April 25.