CLINTON —
Friends and family celebrated aviation and community at a new event started by the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kids got the chance to experience flight on a small airplane and watch an exciting remote control airplane show during the Family Flying Fest on Saturday at the Clinton Municipal Airport.
“We wanted to create something for people to be able to network, but to also bring their family,” Chamber President Nathan Sondgeroth said.
In addition to plane rides and plane shows, there were several activities and local vendors. Families could get their faces painted, grab some food, play mini golf, check out a plane on display and more. Previously the chamber held a tailgate event at the airport, but they decided it was crucial to host a more family oriented event, according to Sondgeroth.
Plane rides were provided through the Experimental Aircraft Association for children ages 8-17. More than 65 children got the chance to take flight at the event on Saturday.
The enthusiasm and excitement of the high flying adventures were displayed by many of the children.
“I could almost touch the clouds,” Noah Handy said. “It was really cool.”
Through the EAA, 1.7 million children worldwide have gotten the chance to experience flight on a small aircraft. The organization has another event coming up on Oct. 20 in Davenport.
Both Sondgeroth and Clinton Airport Manager Mike Nass said they plan on hosting the event in the future, with expansion likely.
“We will be beginning construction on a new terminal and hangar next year,” Nass said. “We will definitely expand the event next year, but it will really be a big event in the next two to three years.”
While encouraging kids to learn about aviation is key to the event, it all comes down to family and community.
“We want to bond the entire family to the community,” Sondgeroth said. “We want to show people that this is where they can raise families.”
Clinton
Related Photos
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Sydney and Drake Davis listen to instructions from pilot Bob Johnson as they enter his plane during the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Family Flying Fest on Saturday at the Clinton Municipal Airport. Natalie Conrad/Clinton Herald
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Clinton chamber hosts Family Flying Fest
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