Despite stormy and windy weather, the second annual Hollister
Airshow went on without a hitch over Memorial Day Weekend while
celebrating veterans and the local aviation community. With a
bigger budget than year one and more space to use, visitors filled
the walkway of the airport and wooden chairs lined the runway. But
attendance failed to meet high expectations of nearly 6,000
people.
Vietnam Veteran Vince Luna said it was great to hear so many people at the second annual Hollister Airshow thank those who risked their lives.
“It’s good that Hollister has an event like this that celebrates what Memorial Day is all about,” he said Sunday, day two of the event. “It’s more than just barbequing or being with family – it’s to remember the men and women that lost their lives fighting for the country.”
Despite stormy and windy weather, the second annual Hollister Airshow went on without a hitch over Memorial Day Weekend while celebrating veterans and the local aviation community.
With a bigger budget than year one and more space to use, visitors filled the walkway of the airport and wooden chairs lined the runway. But attendance failed to meet high expectations of nearly 6,000 people.
The attendance, though, was on par with last year’s event, Airport Manager Mike Chambless said.
“It doesn’t seem that way because of all the space but it is,” he said.
The show itself received just as rousing of a response from attendees, who cheered and watched in excitement, as the airplanes of all types and sizes spun and twisted in the air. Young kids lined the runway with toy airplanes clutched in their hands as they looked on, as the event continued to push itself as a family-friendly experience.
Patriotism also floated through the air over the two-day weekend with attendees continually praising veterans.
The event kicked off with a skydiver floating down with a giant American flag attached to his feet, as the National Anthem ringed throughout the venue.
Attendees appeared to appreciate the veteran-friendly focus – as well as other upgrades made to the event.
Hollister resident and booth vendor Scott Freund attended the event last year, but proclaimed the show the improved in 2011.
“This is much better than last year because you have a lot more things this year than last year,” he said, standing in front of one of the many displayed airplanes.
Historic airplanes and cars lined the runway out to the seating area. Some of hangers running along the runway, including a museum dedicated to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, were also open to the public as attendees strolled the walkway.
Alongside Freund was his 7-year-old son Dean, who decided to open a booth this year in hopes of flying in performer Eddie Andreini’s P-51 Mustang.
What prompted him?
“Because it’s cool,” Dean Freund said.
To raise the money to fly, the Freunds were selling airplane toys and models to attendees, Scott Freund said.
“He wants to do it as soon as possible,” Freund said.
Other attendees brought their kids as well, including Jessica Caldwell, who attended the event for the first time.
After reading about the show, she decided it would be the perfect event for her 3-year-old on Brian, she said.
“He loves airplanes, and he is having lots of fun today,” she said as her son ran around her with a toy airplane in his hands.
With the windy weather, the show was reorganized to allow each performer to do all the tricks they planned, Chambless said. A strong crosswind made it more difficult for performers to land and do tricks high in the sky.
But despite the wind, performances went on as planned.
“It is a really good show,” Chambless said. “We are proud of it.”
