Tom McAlister refers to himself as the "last dog standing" -- or maybe it should be flying? -- among the handful of kite stores that once did business in the San Francisco Bay area.

"We have modest expectations, so we've been able to stick it out," said the owner of Highline Kites in Berkeley. "Specialty retail is a challenge."

For 22 years, he has organized the Berkeley Kite Festival, which draws about 15,000 to 25,000 visitors and fans, and where neophytes and pros share the sky. This year the free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 and 27 at Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina.