NORTH PLATTE — The 26th annual Kites and Castles event held at Lake McConaughy has been canceled this year because of high-water levels.

The coordinating committee of Kites and Castles released the news last week. With high-water levels, there will not be enough beach areas to accommodate the competition and provide parking for onlookers that come to view the sand sculptures.

Lake levels are expected to remain at near capacity throughout the summer. Steady rainfalls early this spring and high South Platte River flows reduced the need for downstream irrigation outflows from Lake McConaughy.

This is the first year that the sand-sculpture competition has been cancelled; however the Kites and Castles committee is planning on hosting the annual event again next year. The date for the 27th annual Kites and Castles has been set for July 30, 2016.