Best Kite Maker

They say Chicago is the Windy City, but every spring Kansas City makes a serious run for the title. Once the big prairie sky starts gusting, it's a good idea to forgo that expensive perm and invest in a good kite. Forget the skimpy plastic models offered at Wal-Mart and Target. It's best to get something that'll really withstand a stiff breeze. To do it right, call David Ellis, Kite Guy. He's got hundreds of handmade numbers that look just grand in the April sunshine. He's got big flying Vs and tiny diamond-shaped numbers. Boxes. Birds. Tumblers. Dragons. Star dancers. And even a model that'll fly with no wind -- indoors, no less. Ellis can also hook you up with a community of kite flyers -- the Kansas City Kite Club. This group meets weekly at New Mark School at 106th and North Oak Trafficway and once a month at Johnson County Community College. There you can actually try Ellis' creations before purchasing.