Thursday, May 01, 2014

Planes of Fame Airshow in Chino benefits local economy

 

With tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts in town for the Planes of Fame Airshow this weekend, the event benefits the local economy.

The annual event at Chino Airport draws anywhere from 24,000 to 28,000 spectators -- many from out of town. This weekend’s air show will feature more than 50 historic aircraft, aerobatic teams, and a modern F-22 Raptor from the U.S. Air Force.

Local shops, restaurants and hotels are expected to benefit. The event also brings both national and international attention to the region.

“The benefit of the airshow is that we raise public awareness of the airport, and aviation as an industry,” said Felisa Cardona, spokeswoman for San Bernardino County, which operates the airport. “The event draws an international audience typically 10 days prior to the event and several days after.”

At least three nearby hotels are sold out, said Harry Geier, marketing director for the Planes of Fame Air Museum.

Among hotels booked for the weekend is Ayres Hotel in Chino Hills. The hotel, at 4785 Chino Hills Parkway, is 5 miles away from the event. Robert Kirst, director of sales for the hotel, said about 80 to 90 percent of his guests this weekend are here for the air show.

About 45 of the hotel rooms are occupied by people and pilots affiliated with the 475th Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps of WWII.

“You get a lot of exposure,” Kirst said of the how the event helps the hotel. “Most of these people are from out of the area, so what brings them to the show, brings them to our hotel. It helps us with exposure and it helps us financially. Anytime you can sell out, it’s a good day,”

Flo’s Airport Cafe, located at the airport, 7000 Merrill Avenue, has also seen a bump in business in the past week from people here for the airshow.

Pam Visser, manager of the restaurant, said things get quiet during the event however, because regulars don’t want to mess with traffic and parking associated with the crowds, and air show patrons are usually eating at the event.

“Generally, we are busier leading up the week prior because there are people here that would either be vendors or part of the show itself,” Visser said. “We do get extra people. We were busy today with people like that.”

The airport is at 7000 Merrill Avenue. The show takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $25 and children 11 years of age and under are free. Parking is free, with preferred parking at $15.

For more information, visit planesoffame.org.

IF YOU GO

What: Planes of Fame Airshow

Where: Chino Airport, 7000 Merrill Avenue

When: Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How much: General admission is $25. Children 11 and under are free.

Parking: Free, preferred parking is $15

Info: planesoffame.org


Source:    http://www.dailybulletin.com