By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A community open-house and celebration is being
planned for June that will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony
and an air show at the new airstrip at Nephi City
Airport.
Carl Anderson has accepted the assignment to organize
the second air show at the facility which is being planned
for Saturday, June 9, 2007.
"The level of the air show can go up or down," said
Anderson.
That level, meaning the number of acts, would depend
on the approval of the city council. However, Anderson said
that he has begun plans for the big event and hopes to make
this year's show even better than the first one which was
held last year.
Performers at air shows are well-paid, said
Anderson.
"A fly-in is planned," said Anderson. "Those who
participate usually park their planes on display for the
day."
There will be 30 or more participants in that event,
and after the opening, a few of those may give rides to
interested visitors to the air show.
"Last year, the military gave Hummvee rides which were
very popular," said Anderson.
Fly-in participants will be at the airport between
9-9:30 a.m. and the airport will then open to the general
public at approximately 10 a.m.
An admission will be charged the general public, he
said. While that fee is being determined, it should be
approximately $5 per adult and $2 to $3 per child.
Fly-in guests and performers will, of course, have
free admission and will also be served a breakfast.
"All performers will perform three times each," he
said.
In addition, there will be vendor booths and other
attractions for those attending.
"I would like to have drill teams participate," said
Jim Wilkey, council member.
Wayne Jarrett, council member, said he was hoping that
the military would participate this year and would send jets
to participate in a fly-over.
"There is nothing that gives a person the chills like
a military fly-over," he said.
Council member, Robert Painter, asked what the city
council could do to help Anderson and his four-member
committee with the project.
"We will need bleachers brought in and will also need
a security fence," said Anderson.
The Utah Highway Patrol will also be contacted and
asked if, once again, they will bring their helicopter to
the show. The helicopter has proved to be a highlight with
young people visiting air shows.
Mayor Mark Jones said the air show draws attention to
the new air strip and the ability the airport now has to
handle small jet traffic. That makes it more attractive to
business people.
"Utah Valley State College does use our airport," he
said.
The flying school instructors at UVSC like the fact
that the area does not have fog and smog like Nephi's
neighboring northern communities.
Fly schools, said Anderson, will also participate and
many of those are willing to give rides to the general
public which makes the event even more attractive to
many.
"What does the city want us to help do as far as the
ribbon-cutting ceremony is concerned?" he asked.
That determination will be made by the council and
then they will talk again to Anderson. However, in general,
council members approved the preliminary plans being made by
Anderson and his committee.
Anderson said media coverage of the event may be
encouraged by offering free rides to the media.
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