HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. 20 April, 2005' Hello Kitty Boardfest is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend'September 2-5, 2005'adding a carnival theme to its already unique format.  The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.  Hello Kitty herself will join along with more than 100,000 kids, 'tweens, teens and young adults expected to attend over four days. SEE  Huntington Beach Events

 
'We're really excited that the City of Huntington Beach has asked us to bring this year's Hello Kitty Boardfest to such an important summer weekend,' says Sanrio Marketing Director Bill Hensley.  'Hello Kitty appeals to girls and women of all ages and we're honored to be able to create an event that reaches everyone from the women pro surfers to the families on the beach.'
 
With a first-of-its-kind atmosphere of carnival-like games, booths and prizes, family members of all ages can enjoy numerous attractions (free-of-charge) like a rock climbing wall, mechanical surfboard, a moon bounce house, beach obstacle course and more.  Fun-filled activities include sand castle building, hula-hoop, limbo and tug-of-war contests along with crab walk races and the popular 'beach ball waddle'.  Live music and DJ Kool Kat will keep the crowds entertained and informed throughout each day. 
 
The young (and young at heart) can pose for photos with Hello Kitty and have their faces 'temporarily tattooed' by the talented Hello Kitty designers at the 'must-see' Hello Kitty booth.  Beach-goers can enter a drawing to win a limited-edition Hello Kitty surfboard, purchase limited-edition Hello Kitty surf accessories or just peruse the dozens of ultra-cool Hello Kitty products on display.  
 
The action is non-stop all four days as pro surfing fans can watch 48 of the world's top women battle for $20,000 in prizes at a four-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) rated event.  Longboarding returns to the famed pier as will a new twist in '05, the addition of an unusual team format with a first of its kind, 'winning-team-take-all prize purse!'  Hello Kitty Boardfest is the next-to-last stop on the 2005 Surfing America Tour and plays a critical role in determining the sport's national champion. 
 
Top pros like Holly Beck and Siri Cota headline the daily surf clinics, playing hands-on roles, educating and instructing girls of all ages on how to take their surfing skills to the next level.  Each paid clinic participant receives an incredible Hello Kitty goody bag loaded with gear, event T-shirt, lunch, refreshments and 'quality' time with Hello Kitty.  Each clinic day ends with an exciting 'tag team' challenge using the same judges, announcers and venue as the pros.
 
'Hello Kitty Boardfest is the culmination of years of hard work by several talented individuals in support of women athletes,' said Mike Kingsbury, Boardfest's executive producer.  'Hello Kitty is really the perfect partner and the Huntington Beach Pier the best possible venue.  To be able to grow Boardfest and stage it over Labor Day weekend with thousands of girls of all ages participating is a defining moment for women's boardsports.'
 
For 'Hello Kitty Boardfest' consumer information please visit www.boardfest.com or call (714) 375-1132.