|
|
|
GREENVILLE -What began as a small fly-in organized by a few seaplane enthusiasts 32 years ago has grown to become the region's biggest event. The international seaplane fly-in, which draws several thousand visitors who pump money into the Moosehead Lake regional economy, will be held Sept. 9-11, with a variety of events of interest to both pilots and spectators. "It's kind of a get-together type of thing where pilots reminisce," Telford Allen of Rockwood, president of the seaplane fly-in association, said Sunday. The event has grown over the years and is something that both pilots and spectators look forward to, he said. This year's event will include seaplane-oriented displays, including experimental planes as well as aircraft demonstrations and fly-bys, according to Allen. Pilots are expected to attend from throughout the United States and Canada. The fly-in also provides area organizations a chance to raise money. The Ready Workers will sponsor a public supper and breakfast over the weekend, and crafters will have their wares on sale throughout the community Saturday. There also will be a public buffet banquet Saturday night at the Greenville Airport. Perhaps the biggest draw for spectators is the opportunity to see pilots demonstrate their skills while in the air. From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, the pilots will participate in a variety of contests, including take-off, landing, accuracy bomb drops, spot landing and a two-man bush pilot canoe race. The flying contests will resume at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. Allen said the runway at the municipal airport, which is under construction, will be open for flights, but pilots are restricted to 3,000 feet. |