Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Air Expo Plans Progressing

Plans for the first annual Air Exposition at Lowe Field are coming together.

According to Mary Burns, who is coordinating the effort, three aerobatic acts have already been confirmed for the event, which has been scheduled for the same weekend as the annual Forest Festival. But, there could be more acts coming.

However, these acts will take place on Sunday afternoon, after the Forest Festival has closed.

In addition, Burns said about $1,800 has been raised for the project. "It's looking real good," Burns said.

She said Saturday there will displays at Lowe Field for those interested.

Also, Mack McFarland, with the Federal Aviation Administration, has been working with Burns on getting the necessary waivers for the air show.

Members of the Gurdon Airport Commission decided to go ahead with plans for an air expo earlier this month. This, they decided, would be a good way to help raise money for airport upgrades.

Their motto for the expo is: "Have A High Time At Lowe Field."

Should the first expo be successful, it could easily become an annual event which would help promote experimental aircraft, and generate revenue.

Early plans are for the exposition to feature home built aircraft along with experimental airplanes. In addition, booths and displays are planned, with concession stands to handle hungry and thirsty visitors.

The commission is working to hold the expo in conjunction with the Forest Festival with the hopes each event will compliment the other. This, the hope is, will give visitors a wider variety of entertainment to participate in, as well as a reason to stay in and around Gurdon longer.

It was suggested a small admission fee be charged at the airport, which could also be used as a parking place for self-contained recreational vehicles.

Freddy Horne, director of the Forest Festival, said he has no problems with an air expo on the same weekend, as long as enough people will be at the airport to work the event.

There could also be a shuttle service from downtown, where the Forest Festival is held, to Lowe Field. This way, visitors could participate in both events if they so choose.

The commission agreed the air expo should set up Saturday, with its static displays, and possibly have some events later that night.

However, the "best" acts, those with daredevil pilots pushing their crafts to the limits, would be held back until Sunday afternoon. This way, there would be no conflict with the Forest Festival.

Burns suggested having T-shirts made up bearing the name and motto of the expo. She said the commission may also want to consider having some coffee mugs or baseball-style caps made with the logos as well.

And, Burns said, so far plans for the expo are looking good.

She said the event will be "advertised" on the Clark County Internet to give access to more people than the commission could reach with normal advertising.

So, she said, if everything goes according to plan, there will be no problem with visitors to Gurdon "Having A High Time At Lowe Field."