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ENLARGE
Spectators use the shade of the wings of an Albatross plane at the AirFest Saturday.
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ENLARGE
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Photo for The Union by John Hart
A TBM warbird fighter on a fly-by at the Golden Empire Flying Association's Nevada County AirFest 2009, Saturday at the Nevada County Airport.
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ENLARGE
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Photo for The Union by John Hart
Two Patriots L-39 fly-bys at the Golden Empire Flying Association's Nevada County Airfest 2009, Saturday at the Nevada County Airport.
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Thousands of people swarmed the Nevada County Airport on Friday and Saturday to view 125 antique and classic airplanes that flew in from all over the state to attend the 2009 AirFest.
“It surpassed everyone's expectations. We ran out of food and silverware. We had all the right kinds of problems,” said AirFest chairman Tim O'Brien.
A hangar party and dinner dance was sold out with well over 600 people, O'Brien said.
All the ramps were filled with display aircraft, locals showed off their classic cars, children hopped on bounce houses and food vendors sold good things to eat.
“We made it as well-rounded as possible,” O'Brien said.
“It surpassed everyone's expectations. We ran out of food and silverware. We had all the right kinds of problems,” said AirFest chairman Tim O'Brien.
A hangar party and dinner dance was sold out with well over 600 people, O'Brien said.
All the ramps were filled with display aircraft, locals showed off their classic cars, children hopped on bounce houses and food vendors sold good things to eat.
“We made it as well-rounded as possible,” O'Brien said.
On Saturday, an estimated 7,000 people visited the airport, O'Brien said.
As many as 80 antique airplanes, World War II war birds, jets and home-built crafts participated in public fly-bys during the event, O'Brien said. Overall, about 125 aircraft were on display.
A loud nostalgic reenactment of a World War II air attack surprised attendees at sunset.
“We decided to add a little ambiance. Everyone really loved it,” O'Brien said.
A Calfire Airtanker made several low passes before the crowd, then dropped water on the runway to everyone's delight.
Annual fly-ins have been going on every year since 1968. The air show began in 1996.
As many as 80 antique airplanes, World War II war birds, jets and home-built crafts participated in public fly-bys during the event, O'Brien said. Overall, about 125 aircraft were on display.
A loud nostalgic reenactment of a World War II air attack surprised attendees at sunset.
“We decided to add a little ambiance. Everyone really loved it,” O'Brien said.
A Calfire Airtanker made several low passes before the crowd, then dropped water on the runway to everyone's delight.
Annual fly-ins have been going on every year since 1968. The air show began in 1996.
The event, organized by the Golden Empire Flying Association, raises funds for airport improvements and scholarships given to people interested in aviation.
Over the years, the association has given out $40,000 in aviation scholarships and purchased new signs, paint, landscaping and computers for the airport.
“The event has gotten bigger and better every year,” O'Brien said.
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To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
Over the years, the association has given out $40,000 in aviation scholarships and purchased new signs, paint, landscaping and computers for the airport.
“The event has gotten bigger and better every year,” O'Brien said.
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To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
