SIREN—In an effort to double the size and scope of the annual air show event at the Burnett County Airport in July, organizers are adding an aerobatics routine to the mix.
"This facilty is an asset to the entire county — we need to get people out here to see what we have," Dave Basten told the county's infrastructure committee last week.
Basten is a charter member of Northwoods Flyers, the county's EAA chapter.
"We've always had a breakfast and airplanes in the past," he continued. "We are just trying to expand on that."
He said by expanding the show, it would be beneficial for the county.
For the July 27, 2013 event, Basten said a full slate of activities is being planned.
"We'll have the classic planes like we've always had but we trying to get a B25 and a P51, military planes, here," Basten explained. "We had them lined up for last year, but they couldn't make it."
He said the war planes are a big hit at other air shows.
"Just seeing that B25 land will draw people," he remarked.
In addition to classic and war planes, he hopes to have an air ambulance on hand as well a helicopter which will offer free rides plus remote-controlled aircraft.
"The guy who did the helicopter rides last year says this is the second-best place he goes," Basten exclaimed.
The air show is looking to attract non-airplane enthusiasts as well.
"The agriculture association does the breakfast — last year they fed 500," Basten said. "We are also going to have a 5K trail run which will end at the hangar where they serve breakfast."
In addition, organizers hope to display some classic cars.
"If they don't like planes, they can look at cars," he said of potentials show-goers.
The Northwoods Flyers sponsor the fly in and the breakfast.
"This year we will be paying for the performers (aerobatics)," he said.
Airport manager Jeremy Sickler said the airport will have to be closed for the duration of the aerobatic portion of the air show.
That wasn't an issue as much as the insurance.
"While the county's umbrella insurance policy would cover the fly in and the breakfast, we are going to need an insurance rider for the aerobatics," Basten explained. "The one quote we have received was for $1,500."
The committee later authorized $1,500 in leftover funds from the airport's 2012 budget to cover the rider.
Story and Photo: http://www.presspubs.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment