RANGELEY – On Saturday this town is going to be all about those magnificent flying machines and their talented pilots at the Fly In & Air Show to be held at Rangeley’s Steven A. Bean Municipal Airport.
This is the first year the air show is being held, said organizer Rebekah Carmichael, the airport’s manager and town’s finance director.
“We wanted to bring attention to aviation and the municipal airport,” she said, adding that after the mild winter, town officials hope to boost the local economy with an influx in tourism by providing a new event.
While a fly-in was held several years ago this is the first fly in with an air show, that will include displays, rides and many vendors on site. The airport is located at 101 Kennebago Road.
Gates open on Saturday at 10 a.m. Pilots can fly in, with the airplanes on display for spectators. Local pilots will also be coming together to provide spectators with a fly over with both land and float planes.
Static displays will also include helicopters and antique automobiles. Attending the static display will be the U.S. Border Patrol and the Marines’ Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 with the CH53E Super Stallion. An air patrol helicopter will demonstrate dropping water.
The event is dedicated to LTJG Neil Brooks Taylor, 25, a pilot who grew up in Rangeley and was killed on his 68th air mission during the Vietnam War. Taylor’s sister, Ann Taylor Wilbur, will be attending the event.
More highlights of the day long event include Dan Marcotte of Marcotte Air Shows performing aerobatic flying maneuvers. At noon Marcotte will race down the runway in his “Jet Car.” Adding to the excitement of the day, Acadian Air will be providing helicopter or plane rides throughout the day.
Three award-winning local restaurants, The Ginger Bread House, Bald Mountain Camps and The Shed, will be serving breakfast and lunch. Vendors will include aviation, arts and crafts, furniture, and motorized sporting equipment.
Say What?!, a group of local musicians will be providing live music throughout the day.
Rangeley Lakes Seaplane Base (M57) is located on Rangeley Lake and transportation will be available to the Air Show. Tickets $10 per person and $30 family max.
For more information contact Carmichael at treasurer@rangeleyme.org or 207-864-3185.
