Manhattan’s Kite Contest Soars in Central Park

Central Park lifted last night with Manhattan’s Kite Contest, flying NYC’s spring near the Great Lawn. Flier Jay Patel tugged strings as 200 cheered, a $10 ticket clash of winds. It’s borough skies—pure CP vibe, kites hot. A kid crashed a delta; a pro looped a box. ‘Manhattan flies—this is it,’ Patel says, tying tails. The grass turned skyway.

The contest’s fresh—April 1’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing fields by 3 p.m. Patel’s a Harlem pilot; last night’s crowd hit max—strings tugged. A latecomer nabbed a reel; gusts blew—NYC grit glowed. Heights hit the clouds—wind ruled. #NYCKite trended; Brooklyn wants a soar.

Some griped—’Too windy,’ sniped a newbie, dodging tangles. A kite dove—fixed quick; lift held. A rival’s pitching a Riverside fly, splitting strings. Still, 300 stayed—kites reigned. Central Park’s never soared so bold.

Patel’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a dusk flight if spring bites. ‘NYC’s air—this lifts it,’ he says, packing spools. The contest’s a Manhattan win—grit meets sky. It’s a kite rush; join the next. Bring a string—winds call.