Keeping his fingers crossed that the weather is as sunny and warm as it has been in recent weeks, Bruce Caldwell is hoping the fourth-annual fly-in barbecue at the Fort Frances Airport will be as successful as ever.
This year’s event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 6.
“We usually have it the last Saturday in September. But last year, it was so darn cold, especially for the pilots with the open cockpits,” noted Caldwell. “So we figured we’d have it while the weather would still be warm.”
Caldwell—a self-described “ordinary guy who likes airplanes and the airport”—said the event will feature pilots from this area as well as ones from Thunder Bay and possibly Winnipeg flying in here for the day.
But there also will be antique cars, motorcycles, and radio-controlled planes for people to see.
Caldwell added he’d like to see more attractions at the event, but has not yet been contacted by any interested groups or individuals.
The fly-in barbecue will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. It also will feature a pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. and then hot dogs during the afternoon.
There will be a small fee, said Caldwell, noting the cost last year was $3 for each meal. Visiting pilots will get their meals free.
Caldwell stressed the event, which he’s enjoyed organizing since its inception, is designed to showcase the local airport by having private pilots fly in here for the day.
“It’s all about promoting the airport,” he explained, adding some of the pilots stay here for the weekend, spending money at local restaurants, stores, and motels.
The event attracted more than 300 people to the airport in 2001, but only about half of that number last year as the weather was cold and wet.
While it has been a feature of the fly-in barbecue in the past, no pilot has been lined up yet to take people for rides.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
