Rising fuel and insurance expenses have added $5,000 to
promotional costs of the second annual Hollister Airshow on
Memorial Day weekend, an event designed to promote the local
airport.
Rising fuel and insurance expenses have added $5,000 to promotional costs of the second annual Hollister Airshow on Memorial Day weekend, an event designed to promote the local airport.
The City Council recently approved a supplemental appropriation from an enterprise fund after Airport Director Mike Chambless said Federal Aviation Administration regulations allow for up to 5 percent of airport operating budgets to be used to promote the facilities and “provide a direct benefit to the airport through enhanced community acceptance.”
The total budget for this year’s event is now $38,500, a jump from last year’s $15,000 in expenses, which are provided by the airport’s budget.
The inaugural event last year, funded by the airport and supported by vendor fees and ticket sales, was deemed a success and approved for a second year by city officials. This year’s air show will be held May 28 and 29, with gates open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
“Last year it was more of a feasibility study,” Chambless said. “The offerings this year are expanded. It’s going to be an incredible two days.”
A number of aerobatic pilots are scheduled as performers so far and concessions will be offered.
Dubbed a family-oriented event, the weekend show will also include a car show, displays of antique, classic and experimental aircraft, military displays, as well as airplane and glider rides.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-17, with a $5 parking fee per vehicle. A free shuttle bus will ferry visitors from the downtown parking garage every 30 minutes during show hours throughout the weekend and on-demand rides are available for pilots who fly in to the nearby Frazier Lake Airpark.
Three hundred seats are available on the flight line on a first-come, first-served basis, and lawn chairs and blankets are permitted and recommended for visitor seating.
The city approved safety zones in and around the airport during the air show, including a closure of the park on the south side of the airport and creating no stopping and tow away zones along San Felipe Road from Flynn Road north to the city limit.
Air show tickets are available for purchase at the airport manager’s office through May 13 and can be purchased at the entrance gate on the day of the show. In advance of Memorial Day weekend, the airport – in an event not affiliated with the air show – will host B-17, B-24 and P-51 planes from May 18-20, with rides available to the public.
For more information, visit www.hollisterairshow.com or call 636-4365.
