Organizers Regrouping After 14 Years Of Growth

The Great Georgia Airshow in Peachtree City, Georgia has grown over its 14 years to as point at which the next step needs careful consideration. Organizers say that reflection is difficult for volunteers consumed with the immediate demands of this year's show, so the event will take 2012 off.

On the show's Facebook page, the announcement reads, in part, "It is with the greatest care and concern for continuing to host an exceptional show that after a thorough and careful analysis the Board of Directors decided to undertake, during 2012, a comprehensive review of all processes and put into place the level of volunteer effort, marketing, sponsorship and community support which would make the show a truly successful venture for all involved. In order to devote the time and effort required to conduct this review and restructuring, GGAS will not host a show in 2012."

The show's marketing director, Janet Smola, tells Atlanta public broadcaster WABE, "Airshows in their evolution typically reach a plateau in their 15th year. Don't know why, it's just the nature of the beast."

Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Nancy Pierce says the event results in about $50 per-attendee spent in the city, so the economic impact will be noticeable.

The show's website is already promoting "See You In 2013!" The organization is also using its website and Facebook wall to solicit comments on how the show can be made better. So far, comments are more about how much it will be missed in its year off.

Jon Briggs writes, "Please even a tiny show with no big performers just WW2 stuff would be great. Better than nothing. I've attended every year, don't want to miss one!"

Kelly Casey adds, "Oh no! We have gone every year for YEARS. My son's first year was last year, and this would have been my second son's first year! I can't believe we're gonna miss it! We're ALL bummed."

Commenting on the economic impact, Kurt Brown explains, "My son's Scout Troop is one of the non profit vendors that sells food. We use the proceeds we earn to fund the Troop's activities. This is a big blow to us as it is our primary fund raiser, even if for only one year. I hope they will be back in 2013."

FMI: www.facebook.com/GreatGAAirShow?sk=wall ; http://thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com