Pilots, vendors, public invited to inaugural Memorial Day
event
Plans for the Hollister Airshow on Memorial Day weekend have
been turbulence-free so far as organizers finalize details of the
inaugural, two-day event.
Pilots, vendors, public invited to inaugural Memorial Day event
Plans for the Hollister Airshow on Memorial Day weekend have been turbulence-free so far as organizers finalize details of the inaugural, two-day event.
“Preparations [for the show] are proceeding smoothly,” Airport Director Mike Chambless told the Hollister City Council in a recent staff report. “All of the principal agencies have been contacted and the costs have been budgeted. We are finalizing negotiations with the performers.”
According to the event’s Web site, www.hollisterairshow.com, tickets will go on sale at Chambless’s office starting on May 3 and will also be available at the gate for $5 each, with children under 4 getting in free. Parking will be $3 per vehicle.
Airport tenants can pick up two free tickets from Chambless, and pilots that register for the fly-in event can receive passes for themselves and their passengers.
The air show, which is being funded by $15,000 in airport reserves, will be open to the public between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, May 29 and 30, with acrobatic performances scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Scheduling updates are expected prior to the show, according to organizers.
The event will be a Category 3 air show, meaning only aircraft that have a cruising speed of less than 156 knots and propeller-driven aircraft will be permitted.
In a letter posted on the event’s site, Mayor Victor Gomez said the Hollister Airport “carries a tradition in many of our locals’ hearts.
“There are many pilots who call this place one of Hollister’s best-kept secrets due to their love of flying,” Gomez said. “It is a local hub where many aviators, young and seasoned alike, gather to share their passion for aviation.”
Vendor and display sites are being rented for $25 for a 10-by-10-foot space, with vendors receiving up to four passes to the air show. Vendors must have a city business license to participate and those selling food must get a temporary food permit if they don’t already have one.
The airport is selling advertising space on the airport fence along San Felipe Road for $100.
Adult volunteers are sought to work at the show for a minimum of eight hours over the weekend. A form is available on the Web site.
Chambless said he sent a letter to airport tenants “informing them of the event and requesting their patience and cooperation.” Though good weather is expected, organizers say the event will go on “rain or shine” and that no refunds will be provided if there is inclement weather.
Organizers are reminding participants and guests that because the airport is home to Cal Fire’s Central California Air Attack Base, fire operations could interfere with the air show without notice.
For more information about the event, visit 90 Skylane Dr., Suite 101 at the airport or call 636-4365.
