Commission urges folks to attend airfest

Dale Hogg, Great Bend Tribune, Kan.
·2 min read

Sep. 17—The Barton County Commission Tuesday morning approved a proclamation calling on all citizens of the county to the City of Great Bend's Airfest this weekend. Thee 2021 event runs Friday through Sunday at the Great Bend Municipal Airport.

In addition, Chairman Jim Daily, District 4, drew winners for the county's airfest ticket giveaway. The county received the tickets as part of its $8,350 sponsorship.

The fest, which normally takes place every three years, showcases vintage warbirds, aerial acrobatics, and the community's World War II Army Airbase heritage along with paying tribute to the nation's military veterans, said Christina Hayes, Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau director and community coordinator. The three-day event includes educational tours, warbird and aircraft displays, historical displays, warbird and helicopter rides and airshows.

On Saturday evening, there will be a Veteran's Recognition Ceremony with remarks by Kansas U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. Commissioners also encouraged people attend this .

"Thank you, not only for the partnership that you all jumped in on, but also on the staff level support," Hayes said. She appreciated the number of Sheriff's Office personnel helping with security and for the assistance in promotions.

"Thank you for the bottom of my heart," she said. "It's going to be a great event."

The ticket drawing

As part of its support for the airfest, the county received 10 tickets. Eight were given away to the public via the county's Facebook page and two went to county employees.

Tim Gohl, Tina Louisa, Geneva Applebee and Heather Marsh, through the Facebook entries, will receive two tickets. County facility's employee Daniel Perez won two tickets.

District 3 Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson then personally donated another five pair of tickets for county staff. These winners included: Matt Patzner, finance director; Richard Allen, Keaton Goering and Dave Paden, Sheriff's Office; and Aracely Poblano, Health Department.

Winning tickets available at the County Administrator's Office, 1400 Main — Room 107, Great Bend. Call 620-793-1800 with questions.

The show costs the city over $150,000, between the cost of the acts, fuel and other expenses.

Great Bend kicks in $25,000 and a portion of the expense is covered by gate admission, which is typically $10 per person. A host of sponsors offset the majority of the pricetag.

It is estimated to bring in 10-15,000 spectators.