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!

FMI: www.airventure.org