Red Baron Squadron retired

This isn't breaking news, unless you just heard it yesterday, like I did.

Marshall, Minn. – December 3, 2007 - After 28 years of outstanding formation aerobatic air show performances, The Schwan Food Company announces the retirement of the Red Baron® Pizza Squadron.
“The Red Baron Squadron has been an incredible asset to our company and we are very proud of its long successful history,” said Bill McCormack, executive vice president. “The retail grocery industry has experienced considerable change over the past few years. And, as a result, we have decided to refocus our Red Baron marketing program and to discontinue the Red Baron Squadron.”
“We are very proud to have been a part of such a legendary program,” said Jayson Wilson, director of flight operations and left wing pilot - speaking on behalf of the Red Baron Squadron pilots, technicians and administrative staff. “We can all say we were a part of something really special. The air show community and our fans have been great. We’ll miss all of them.”

So, I guess that says it. For anyone wondering if the Sumner County Aviation Festival would ever bring back the Red Barons... no. We were sure lucky to have them perform when we did!
Still, it makes me sad that I won't be able to go to an airshow in the future, here or anywhere, and watch their performance while I remember what it was like to be flying in that open cockpit watching the ground, sky, ground, sky as we rolled around up there. What an experience the Red Barons shared with us! I'm so glad its an experience myself, my dad, and several other Lions and community members got to experience in Wellington. In addition to the airshow, the Red Barons signed autographs and merchandise, then stayed another night in Wellington to give a limited number of public flights the next morning. They were impressive in many respects, including their willingness to share their passion for their planes and what they do with our community. The Red Baron airshow itself has long been a favorite across the world. I know it is a favorite for Wellington.

Luckily, Wellington is home of the Super Ryan and Lion Rick Hamlin, who can pilot the vintage aircraft to bring the nostalgia and graceful flight of the open-cockpit bi-plane to our airshows.

Facts about the Red Baron Squadron
• More than 2,000 formation aerobatic air show performances
• Flown more than 80,000 passengers
• Traveled more than six million miles
• Red Baron pilots fly in formation less than a wingspan apart while performing aerobatic maneuvers such as loops, clover leafs, hammerheads and barrel rolls.
• The Red Baron Squadron® aircraft are fully-restored historic Boeing Stearman biplanes built between 1941 and 1943.
• The Boeing Stearman was the primary training aircraft in the United States, Canada and Europe during World War II. More pilots have trained in a Stearman than any other plane.
• 42 pilots have been members of the Red Baron Pizza Squadron’s 28 year history.
• The Red Baron Pizza Squadron won the Art Scholl Award in 1995 and the Bill Barber Award in 1993

A family Air-fair

Every year, I invite my family and friends down to the Sumner County Aviation Festival. Everyone who knows me knows I get super-excited about the event. I always know it's going to be fun for me. Working at the newspaper, I've taken media hot air balloon flights and even flown with the Red Baron Squadron, barrell rolls and all! I've interviewed famous pilots and made lots of airshow friends in the past few years. But, I bring in my friends and family because I know there's so much for them to enjoy too. My brother has been in a hot air balloon, my niece and nephew took their first flights with the Young Eagles, and everyone loves tailgating while we watch the air show performances. Those who I can get to meet at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning, volunteer with me as part of the chase crew for the hot air balloons, which means we're out on the field helping our pilot get their balloon launched, then chasing after it across the county. No, we don't have a clue what road we're on or where it's going to land! Great fun. So, it's an event we not only watch, but participate in too. And the great thing is, it can be the same for anyone else out there who would like to volunteer - they always love adding people to the chase crews and not too many people can say they've worked so closely with hot air balloons. It's fascinating. I take a lot of pride in seeing everyone having a great weekend. There's so much to look forward to each year — and from the whisperings I've heard around the Club, many new events to make this year's Aviation Festival the best yet! I couldn't be more excited to share all the details with you as I learn them. Hopefully I'll get you (nearly) as excited as I am for this event!

I'll be posting pictures soon and sharing experiences and memories of past events while I let you know what to anticipate for 2008!