Air show offers family fun, boost to the economy
San Benito County residents have shown time and time again they
appreciate local, family-friendly entertainment. So it makes
perfect sense, and the timing is just right, to launch the
inaugural Hollister Airshow that will take place Saturday and
Sunday.
Air show offers family fun, boost to the economy
San Benito County residents have shown time and time again they appreciate local, family-friendly entertainment. So it makes perfect sense, and the timing is just right, to launch the inaugural Hollister Airshow that will take place Saturday and Sunday.
Under Hollister Airport Director Mike Chambless’ guidance, leaders have been planning the event for just a few months while running it on a modest $15,000 budget. They were fortunate to land some exciting acts at relatively low costs, and the mayor’s entrance to kick off the event – he’s jumping from an airplane – should get the aspiring tradition started on an exhilarating note.
The timing is appropriate because the local economy continues to stall, and losses of other attractions such as the end of the downtown biker rally and the closure to Clear Creek Management Area have further degraded the tourism industry and sales-tax base. The event also can serve to show off the county’s beauty and small-town charm – along with reminding outsiders about some of the other tourist attractions here – and perhaps get some of the visitors to return throughout the year.
Aside from tourists, though, the air show provides a great opportunity for local residents to get out and enjoy something here in Hollister that is safe, outdoors and fun for all ages. People around here tend to show up in droves for such occurrences – increased attendance at the second annual Dog Days event at Dunne Park last weekend proved that again – and with many residents having fewer dollars to spend in the down economy, it should heighten prospects for nice returns at the gate and the possibility for a sequel in 2011.
Chambless and council members made sure the risk was low with the $15,000 budget, and the event will have to draw around 3,000 people over the two days to break even. As long as the weather cooperates, there is a good chance to exceed that number. And any potential losses at the gates should be offset by the event’s boost to the local economy, and government coffers.
Combined with the excitement of a new, thrilling, family-oriented attraction, it should be enough incentive to head out to the airport this weekend and enjoy a positive community event.
