Event offers high-flying fun

SANDPOINT — High-flying fun is ahead for county residents at the seventh Wings Over Sandpoint exhibition this Saturday.

The annual event at Sandpoint Airport promises great entertainment, live music by bands like Not Quite Punk, food and drink. In addition, the showcase is a great introduction to Sandpoint Airport many community members, who may unfamiliar with the role it plays.

“This has definitely been a great event to show people the airport and what it does for the community,” Silver Wing Flight Services associate Jason Hauck said.

There’s also the simple value of experiencing the ingenuity of the modern and historic aviation industry. Event planners aim to have between 110 and 200 aircraft on display at this year’s Wings Over Sandpoint. The showcase will include seaplanes, experimental aircraft, helicopters, corporate jets and many more styles. The exhibition runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“We’ve put together a great variety this year,” Hauck said.  

One particular prize this year is the Boeing 40, a model of biplane was used in the 1920s primarily for mail deliveries. The plane’s historic value and styling makes it a fascinating addition to the lineup.

“This is one of the earliest Boeings out there,” Hauck said.

Even better, visitors don’t just get to look at airplanes. They can also get a one-of-a-kind view of Sandpoint in a low-cost fly-over of the community. This popular feature of Wings Over Sandpoint is back for a second year, a choice more than justified by its popularity.

“The flights are huge,” Hauck said. “Last year was the first year we could afford to do it, but people loved it. The plane was in the air all day.”

Those curious about the nuts and bolts of aviation can get a rather literal explanation at a 12 p.m. tour of Quest Aircraft. The manufacturing experts will guide participants through each stage of aircraft development.

“You get to see an airplane go from a piece of sheet metal into a fully-functioning machine,” Hauck said.

A fun day is always a little better with some great food, and Wings Over Sandpoint has that covered too. Attendees can start the day off right with an Experimental Aircraft Association-hosted breakfast costing $7 for adults and $3 for kids under 14. Snow cones courtesy of the Boy Scouts and a barbecue lunch will also be available, as will a Pend d’Oreille Winery wine garden for the adults.

Altogether, the day adds up to plenty of fun for everyone in the family.

“It’s just a great time to come out and spend an hour or two looking at the airplanes,” Hauck said.