Beloved Kite-Flying Display Damaged In Waterford

WATERFORD, CT — A large kite-flying display was disrupted when someone made "a very poor decision" that led to substantial damage to kites and equipment, according to John Rose Kite-Flying Family & Friends.

But the community has responded in force to support Rose's whimsical, kid-friendly, free displays, which have earned him the moniker of "Kite Man." A GoFundMe started in response had already raised $9,655 on 264 donations as of Friday morning.

The display was held May 18 at Harkness Memorial State Park and featured large kites of animals like otters, dogs, whales, and more.

The event had an "incredibly large turnout" that organizers weren't expecting.

Unfortunately, the anchor that held a giant stingray, owl, and new otters was tampered with, "causing them to break free and fly to Groton before getting caught in power lines there requiring the police, fire department and power company," according to a Facebook post from Rose's daughter, Donna Slaga.

"Thousands of dollars of kites were destroyed for my family which in reality is just a family of modest means who try to bring something positive to the community," she wrote.

Rose said in another post that "after further investigation" it was found that a teenage boy accompanied by a younger caused the loss of the kites.

"I want to make it clear that he acted alone, and I don't believe he intended to really do any harm," he wrote. "He just didn't stop to think of the ramifications of such actions."

The incident led Slaga to start a GoFundMe to cover the expenses.

"We have resisted doing this many times in the past, but after giving it some careful consideration, now is as good a time as any to give people who have enjoyed his displays through the years and felt his 'light' an opportunity to show their gratitude for all he does and who he is," she wrote.

View the GoFundMe by clicking here.