About 20 years ago I happened upon a kite flying festival at Core Creek Park near Newtown, Bucks County. It was a beautiful, warm breezy day and kites aplenty were aloft, rising or sinking at the wind’s whim. This kite train, longer than many houses, required brawn and artistry to launch -- and to fly.

It was the star of the festival, its tails streaming behind like so many comet tails.