Here and there, bright flashes of color dance across breezy blue spring skies.

It’s kite-flying season in Michigan and this rite-of-spring pastime, more often than not, ends with a Charlie Brown, kite-eating tree moment.

Michael VanCleve, president of the southeast Michigan 4 Seasons Kite Club, teaches others the skills necessary to not only steer clear of trees, but to actually manipulate a kite’s every move.

"We seek to educate and demonstrate the art of kiting," he said.

Competitive kite flying events and demonstrations are kicking into high gear this time of year across the state.

Downriver, the Michigan Sport Kite Classic will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 W. Jefferson, Brownstown Township.

Sport kites are multiline, controllable kites that give the flier total control over direction and movement.

More than 60 competitors will come from as far away as New York to battle it out in the skies.

Competition categories include individuals, pairs and teams comprising four to five people flying precision maneuvers as well as a kite ballet set to music.

Kite ballet often is compared to figure skating, with the flier judged on how well he or she choreographs the kite’s movements to music.

This year’s event also will feature a giant octopus and a 90-foot trilobite kite.

"Al Sparling is coming from Chicago to fly the giant festival kites," VanCleve said. "Some of his kites are 100 feet long and inflatable."

Another event favorite are the fighter kites and rokkaku (pronounced roke-cock-coo) battles.

The rokkaku is a traditional Japanese bowed kite shaped like a hexagon. They are considered easy to fly and control.

The object of the battle is to ground other kites using either the kite’s line, the kite itself or the wind.

Once an opponent’s kite is cut or touches the ground, that kite is out of the competition.

Plenty of hands-on activities will be offered throughout the two-day event. There will be kite-making classes for children and a learn-to-fly area for beginning kite enthusiasts.

Kites and kite-related supplies will be available for sale, and an auction and raffle will round out the weekend’s high-flying activities.

For more information about the Michigan Sport Kite Classic and other kite events, visit 4 Seasons Kite Club at www.4skc.com.