Let’s Go Fly A Kite

Two brothers bring joy to others with their high flying hobby

These larger than life kites entertain a north Merced neighborhood on a windy Saturday in March. Photo-Steve Newvine

One mile from my house, I knew something special was happening at a local park in north Merced.

Up close on the park grounds, the sight was nothing short of spectacular.

These are the kites Mike Macias and his brother Rob spend their free time putting up in sky on a windy day.

Mike started the pastime several years ago as a diversion from his regular job as a truck driver.

“A week behind the wheel is enough,” he says of his handling of an eighteen-wheeler on a California expressway. “On a weekend, I look for a place to put up our kites.

A shark kite lurks over the playground at Davenport Park as the Macias brothers entertain families in Merced. Photo: Steve Newvine

Mike goes big when he flies his super-sized kites. Some measure more than two-hundred feet from top to bottom, based on my own estimates.

All are powered by wind, and the steady hands of both pilots.

“My brother and I love putting them up, and keeping them airborne,” he says.

Mike and Rob Macias steady a big kite in Merced. Photo: Steve Newvine

The kites were a popular attraction at local events such as the Livingston Kite Festival that was held every spring until 2019.

The festival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 as a COVID precaution. That’s a shame, as kite flying gets people outdoors and has social distancing practically built in as each kite flyer needs a lot of space to do the work that has to be done.

“We used to go all over the state,” Mike says. “Everyone likes to see these kites up in the air."

The brothers anchor the kites to trees and/or posts depending on the venue.

The wind keeps them up for as long as Mother Nature will allow.

The brothers kept the neighborhood crowd entertained for over two hours on an early March Saturday afternoon.

There were lawn chairs out in the open space, children on the playground equipment, and lots of heads looking upward.

Mike looks forward to the time when COVID restrictions ease up so that more public events can be organized by local groups.

In the meantime, Mike and Rob will continue to look for a warm, breezy afternoon and take their kites out of the storage cases. The fun continues.

Let’s go fly a kite!

Steve Newvine lives in Merced.

His latest book is Can Do Californians and is available at BarnesAndNoble.com and Lulu.com