Thu, Jul 27, 2006
If You Don't... We'll Still Play!
by ANN Correspondent Mark Sletten
Alas, weather has been a factor at this year's AirVenture. As we
reported, rain threatened to, but failed to cancel the Beach Boys
concert on opening night. Then late Tuesday night and early
Wednesday morning saw some of the heaviest downpours of not only
the week, but the entire year!
Campers awoke to very wet grass, tents heavy with water, and in
some cases, ponds where there weren't any the night before.
Attendees arriving early walked through puddles and avoided the
water still dripping off overhanging tree branches - it was clear
everyone was in for a hot and muggy day.
At least one vendor got an early morning surprise as well. The
downpours were so heavy the tent housing the Flyboys exhibit wasn't
able to shed all the water fast enough resulting in a collapse of a
portion of the structure.
Damage to the structure was so extensive that Flyboys'
organizers decided to tear it down.
Later that afternoon, Mother Nature decided everyone had gotten
hot and sweaty enough and provided a good drenching. Those hardy
enough to brave the elements weren't disappointed when show
directors decided the weather wasn't going to "dampen" everyone's
spirits.
And just to prove the old adage "you can't keep a good 'Fly'boy
down," those magnificent men and their flying machines had a
replacement tent up and running by the end of the day.
Even if they lost a few pizzaz points on the exterior of their
exhibit, they got them all back with their determination not to let
Mother Nature dictate terms - up and at 'em boys!
Despite the weather, this is shaping up to be one of the best
AirVenture experiences in recent memory. Lot's of cool new toys,
great vendor exhibits, exiting news and, believe it or not, way
more sunshine than rain. Come on up if you can -- the water's
fine!
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