Go Fly A Kite
by L. Wiles - 2009-04-20
Kites have captured our hearts, minds and imagination for eons, many think kites date back as far as 1000 BC. Throughout Asia in ancient times kites were used for military purposes, fishing, scaring birds from crops, lifting construction materials, and, of course, as a toy.
Marco Polo brought the concept of kites back from China to Europe in 1295. The first know reference to kite flying in Europe was in 1405 found in a manuscript related to military technology. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries kites were used to lift military observers to heights were they could see the disposition of enemy forces and during World War II kites were used as gunnery targets.
In 1749 science came into the picture using kites to gather meteorological information and just a few years later Benjamin Franklin used his now famous kite and key to gather information about atmospheric electricity. In 1894 Lawrence Hargrave experimented with kites in his attempts to invent the aeroplane. He developed several styles of kites and gliders, and refined the concept of curved surface wings. And in 1903 Samuel Franklin Cody crossed the English Channel on a vessel towed by kites. Wow, military, crops, fishing, propellant, meteorology, scientific experiments, quite the resume for our little kite. No wonder we are so captivated by kites.
In my opinion the best use of a kite is, of course, as a toy. Ahh, a warm, breezy day. An expanse of soft, green grass. Soaking up the sun while the kids laugh and play, letting the gentle warm breeze erase the last bits of winter from your memory. Add in a few spectacular kites and you have the makings for a perfect family outing. What could be better?
Who can resist the lure of a kite as they watch the beautiful colors and imaginative designs of kites flying overhead knowing that they control, at least to some degree, this magical, flying contraption as it seemingly defies gravity.
There are so many varieties of kites available today ranging greatly in price, style, color and design that it is really very hard to pick an overall favorite, but I think if we had to name one that stands out it would be the 3D Fantasy Butterfly Kite. Not only is it very beautiful, it is durable and extremely easy to fly. Little Junie Bug, just 3 years old, sits smiling in the grass enjoying the easy to fly Butterfly Kite, which she is able to fly all on her own. This kite gets so many positive comments from on-lookers and is definitely a crowd pleaser.
For those of you who enjoy a little adventure on the high seas, or rather on the high skies, the The 72-inch 3D Pirate Ship Kite definitely fits the bill. Seven year old Catherine investigates this Super Cool kite as our primary tester gets ready to launch the imaginative Pirate Ship Kite for it's maiden voyage. This kite is really a treat to see flying in the sky.
The Supersized 76-inch 3D Dragon Kite is another favorite. Little Tommy, age 5, is easily able to fly this monster kite, which makes quite an impressive vision both up close and flying high in the sky. You almost feel like you need to duck for cover to escape the fierce, fire breathing dragon as it descends upon your Midieval village.
The Super Cool Toy Store carries many different kites including the wildly popular and insanely inexpensive 22-inch SkyDiamond Kites, which make great party favors, the very affordable Deluxe Diamond Kites, both in a variety of designs to the colorful SkyFoil Nylon Frameless Parafoil Kites and the intriguing 29-inch SpinBox 3D Rotating Kites. We also offer some very imaginative 3D Nylon and Fiberglass Kites such as the Butterfly, Macaw, Pterodactyl, Dragon, Pirate Ship and the Supersized Dragon.
So, the next time you are in want of a couple of hours of healthy, good quality family time, my advise to you is to go fly a kite!