HELLO KITTY BOARDFEST ADDS SKATEBOARDING CLINICS AND CONTESTS, GRAND PRIZE IS AN ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO THE GALLAZ SKATE JAM IN AUSTRALIA

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Hello Kitty Boardfest is introducing all-girls skateboarding clinics and contests to its Labor Day weekend festival, September 2-5, at the Huntington Beach Pier.

The Boardfest Skate Zone will feature daily clinics for girls of all ages and ability levels, demos, a team contest for the skate clinic participants, and an open "street" competitions. In addition to trophies and prizes, the winner of the open contest will receive an all-expense paid trip and entry to the 2006 Gallaz Skate Jam in Australia. Information and entry forms are available on www.boardfest.com.

The Boardfest Skate Zone is a custom built street course with ramps, rails, and ledges set against the backdrop of Surf City USA's famed landmark. Skateboard clinics for beginner through intermediate girls will be held over three days, Friday through Sunday. The skate clinics will be taught by professional skateboarders Sasha La Rochelle, Heidi Fitzgerald, Alex White, and Mandy Esch and each clinic participant will receive a Hello Kitty goodie bag.

"I'm extremely happy that Hello Kitty is adding a skate event to the already popular Hello Kitty Boardfest. I'm proud to be involved with a company that takes an active interest in promoting women in action sports. I really like the fact that the Boardfest events reach out to girls and women of all ability levels. Everyone can participate in the skate and surf events from the complete beginner to today's top pros" says Sasha.

The heat turns up a notch on Monday, Sept. 5, when the clinic participants have the opportunity to compete in a team contest for medals and prizes. The Boardfest Skate Zone's grand finale will be on Monday afternoon when top amateurs and pros battle it out for the coveted ticket to the invitation only Gallaz Skate Jam in Melbourne, Australia.

Hello Kitty Boardfest is a surf-inspired festival featuring a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf and skate clinics, skateboarding demos, Elle Girl's fashion shows and daily entertainment all anchored by a top-rated professional women's surfing competition that will determine the sport's national champion. Hello Kitty herself will join along with more than 100,000 kids, 'tweens, teens and young adults expected to attend over four days.

For "Hello Kitty Boardfest" consumer information please visit www.boardfest.com or call (714) 375-1132.