Plenty of Planes for the Fly-in

A cool fall morning, light breezes and sunny skies combined for a perfect day for viewing an assortment of airplanes on the ground, and in the air, at the Lamar Airport this past Saturday, September 28. Early morning visitors to the annual Fly-In had a chance to enjoy a breakfast provided by Smokin Willy’s BBQ, as well as a noontime lunch for later crowds.

The tarmac at the airport was dotted with plenty of planes, from air-sprayers to Russian jets as well as the popular YAK type aircraft that is growing in popularity among flight enthusiasts around Colorado. Several of the jet aircraft performed some flybys at the airport while youngsters signed up to win a remote-controlled model airplane for the 11am drawing. Kids were also given the opportunity to build their own balsa wood planes. Several remote-controlled aircraft were also on display at the western edge of the runway through the day.

Lamar residents around the town would sometimes cast a gaze into the sky at the sound of an unfamiliar aircraft engine overhead. There were two specific instances, beginning with a five plane formation that buzzed above Main Street during Friday’s homecoming parade for the Lamar Savages. The second formation flight took place Saturday afternoon over Spreading Antlers Golf Course with a special charity-oriented golf ball drop. Several planes made passes over the fourth hole, dropping golf balls onto the green. Persons whose pre-purchased ball came closest to the hole won a prize. Almost 30 businesses helped sponsor the annual airshow and fly in.

By Russ Baldwin