Lodging Panel Funds Air Show and 9/11 Tribute Events

YAK Aircraft at Lamar Airport

Eric McSwan, Fixed Base Operator of the Lamar Municipal Airport and Danny Tinnes of AirCare, presented an overview of the Lamar Memorial Airshow scheduled for Sunday, September 9^th at the airport to the Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel.  This was one of three presentations discussed during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 19^th.

Blackhawk Helicopters at Lamar Airport

The planned airshow received $3,500 to help promote the free event which will run from 8am until noon on Sunday. McSwann and Tinnes said the funding will be applied for advertising and contract fees to attract pilots and visitors to the Lamar area.  At present, the airshow is expected to bring a minimum of around 1,000 visitors to the county, some of whom will be in Lamar for the annual 9/11 First Responder Tribute which is set for Saturday, September 8^th.   McSwann said there is some planned crossover events, “We have a scheduled aircraft fly-over during the 10am parade on Saturday and will also have military-type aircraft on display at the airport the following Sunday.”

Other displays include an Aerobatic Performer in a mini-jet and CAF plane rides. McSwann mentioned that there will be drone displays.  “We plan to have two types at the airport, some will be racing drones and another style will show just how versatile these devices have become,” he explained.

Tinnes added, “We want to be able to showcase how important the airport is to the community-at-large. We have a lot of daily traffic here and most of our residents don’t have a true view of how many flights come in to our airport which has been considered one of the best small airports in the state.”

Mounted Guard at Parade

This September will mark the 6^th year the Tri-State 9/11 Tribute will be held in Lamar.  Begun as a way to recognize members of the military, police, fire and rescue, the annual Tribute has grown in size and scope and is now held at the Prowers County Fairgrounds, following a morning parade.  This year’s Grand Marshalls will consist of law enforcement officers who died in the line of service in recent events in El Paso, Adams and Douglas counties, in Memoriam.  The Panel approved the group’s $2,000 request for marketing.

Two Entrees on the Coals

A $500 request from the Santa Fe Dutch Oven Cookers was tabled pending clarification on their application. The Cookers began an exhibition of trail cooking last year during the Prowers County Sand and Sage Fair.  Their event is held in Elmer’s Garden on August 9^th and samples of the meal are offered to the public in friendly team competition.

The next Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 17^th at 4pm at the LCC Administration Building.

By Russ Baldwin