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Festival is perfect time to go fly a kite
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
CANFIELD
Gray skies were brightened by multicolored kites flying high over Mill Creek MetroParks Farm.
As sprinkles dried up and the sun made an appearance, those kites were joined by more at the park’s annual Kite Festival on Saturday.
In spite of the chilly weather, the field near the parking lot was full of kite enthusiasts.
“We come out every year,” said Luke Pyles, 16, of Lordstown. “It’s kind of a tradition.”
He was successful in launching his dragon-shaped kite.
Naomi Webb, 17, of Lordstown, attended with the Pyles family. Her attempt to fly the dragon wasn’t as successful.
“It doesn’t like to stay in the air,” she said.
Pyles explained that there’s a trick to flying a kite.
“But it’s not hard,” he said. “You get used to it.”
Many participants brought kites with them in a range of sizes and shapes. But those who didn’t bring their own could make one.
Volunteers were on hand with markers, string and other materials to help children create a kite.
“It’s been great. The kids are loving it,” said Theresa Semchee, a volunteer.
“They’re very creative, and they’re doing a real good job. Every kite is a little different. So this is really great. It makes them all unique.”
Dominic Massacci, 7, of Boardman, decorated his kite with the cartoon character SpongeBob.
“My dad came up with the idea,” he said.
Though he’s flown kites before, this is the first time he made his own, Dominic said.
It was fun to fly it, he added.
His brother, Vincent, 4, also made his own. He flew his kite — decorated with a Ninja Turtle cartoon character — even after Dominic was done flying and his sisters, Julia and Mia, both 2, tired of watching.
He did well with his kite, noted his mom, Becky Massacci.
He had fun flying his kite, Vincent said. He liked running backward to get it going.
Making the kites “was really nice,” Becky said. “They got to be creative with markers.”
The family attended the event for the first time.
It was “something to do with the kids that’s free and fun,” said Michael Massacci.
They also liked that the festival was at the farm. They visited the animal barns, seeing calves and baby rabbits.
“The kids really liked that,” Michael said.
The event also included vendors, refreshments, prizes and games.