Driving on the old Highway 106 or 4th St. South of Clear Lake last Saturday afternoon, you couldn’t help by notice something very colorful flying around in the sky. Following the sight into Clear Lake, we came to the school, across the street we saw four gigantic, beautiful, colorful kites floating, swaying, dipping, wagging and swooping up high in the sky.
Story by Jody Spear, photos by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer| Driving on the old Highway 106 or 4th St. South of Clear Lake last Saturday afternoon, you couldn’t help by notice something very colorful flying around in the sky. Following the sight into Clear Lake, we came to the school, across the street we saw four gigantic, beautiful, colorful kites floating, swaying, dipping, wagging and swooping up high in the sky.
Mark Brandt is the owner of these unique kites. This is his hobby, a way to relax and his way to please other people. “I like to meet new people and have fun with it,” said Mark.
A couple, from Mason City, was there talking to Mark. They were kite fliers too. “I wonder where we can fly ours in Mason City, where we wouldn’t get into any trouble? We would like to fly at the fairgrounds, but don’t want to get arrested,” inquired the couple. They were advised to call the Fair Board of Directors and ask permission. It would bring people into watch.
We have ours in the car, but it’s not near as big as Mark’s,” said the lady. Mark jumped in and said, “You have one? Let’s get it up.”
At that time all three kite enthusiasts went to their vehicles. Mark came back and set sail to another kite, up higher in the sky, and then produced a humongous fish. The couple was busy getting theirs in the air. When all seven were up, the sky was a beautiful array of colors. It would mesmerize you; watching these kites was relaxing.
Another couple, on vacation from Minnesota, drove up and parked. The lady jumped out wearing her bathing suit, carrying a disposable camera and taking pictures of the kites. “Come over here, look at how beautiful they are against the white, puffy clouds. I hope they aren’t storm clouds, oh well, it’s very pretty.” By the time Mark got his Fish kite up she said in disappointment, “Darn, I only have one picture left on my camera.” As they were leaving, she added, “Someone should send pictures of these to the troops overseas, they would really enjoy them.”
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