The skies over the beach at Erieau were filled with whales, sharks, marlins, witches and cartoon characters on Oct. 18 as kite flying enthusiasts from Southwestern Ontario and parts of the United States showed off their skills.
Some 30 kites, ranging from one metre to nearly 10 meters in length, took advantage of steady onshore winds to rise and dip above the beach to the amazement of a small crowd that gathered to watch.
Mark Groshens of Cambridge was one of about 15 people who travelled to participate in the event, which was organized by local resident George Paisiovich.
“George did an event in Leamington for several years, but it didn’t happen this year. He just sent out word to all his kite friends to get together for a relaxing weekend of flying kites on the beach at Erieau.”
“We planned a kite event and the weather co-operated,” Groshens said. “You can never be sure. When we came this morning, it was cold and really windy, but the weather warmed up, the wind calmed down and everybody came out.”
Kite enthusiasts from Elmira, Guelph, Brampton, Leamington, Kitchener, Toronto, Arkona, Windsor, St. Jacobs, London and New York state. attended. The event started with a kite dedication to first responders and veterans attended by Dave Epp, MP for Chatham-Kent–Leamington.
“With Remembrance Day coming close, it was just a chance to honour our Canadian heroes,” Groshens said.
Participants “all started out as kids, and at some point, it got out of hand,” Groshens laughed. “George used to sell kites on this beach as a youngster.”
He said traditionally kite fliers make their own kites; however, the majority of those flying on Saturday were purchased.
“The cost of materials went up during COVID,” he said. “What we used to make for a couple of hundred dollars could now cost $500 to $600 in material, and then there is the time and labour. You can buy some from China for $200 to $300.
The more elaborate kits cost up to $5,000 and many kites are now equipped with LED lights for night flying.
Groshens said there are a number of kite clubs and members often belong to more than one club.
“We have a lot of criss-cross members who go to five or six events in Ontario as well as those in Quebec and internationally with hundreds of kites, but there are other times we just go out and fly.”
He said the Erieau event couldn’t have gone any better.
“We had people just driving in and watching when they saw the kites go up. People just ask why are you flying the kites on the beach, but when they see the smiles and the joy we get, they understand. If someone stops and enjoys it, it makes us just as happy to see them having a good time.”
