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!