Event to soar over Sandpoint
SANDPOINT — Wings Over Sandpoint is set to show off the town in ways that might surprise even longtime residents.
Just in time to appeal to the Festival at Sandpoint crowds, the annual fly-in is bringing in dozens of aircraft to give visitors and locals alike a spectacular show. From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 10, event attendees will be able to grab a tasty breakfast, investigate a diverse collection of helicopters and airplanes and even take off for an aerial view of the town. Admission is free.
According to event board member Annie Orton, the Saturday event makes for a great morning activity before exploring the town in the afternoon and hitting the Festival in the evening.
“If people plan it out, they can come here, see a lot, do a lot and still have time in the day for other things,” she said.
Held at the Sandpoint Airport, Wings Over Sandpoint is expected to attract as many as 80 aircraft, which will be flown in from all around the region.
Local organizations and businesses such as Quest, Tamarack Aerospace Group and Life Flight Network will be on hand to show off their tools of the trade. Likewise, attendees will be able to check out a range of seaplanes, experimental aircraft and much more. Quest Aircraft will also give a guided tour of their production facility at noon. Flights over Sandpoint, an attraction first introduced two years ago, will be available for a nominal fee.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a good, hearty breakfast, which will be served until 11 a.m. The meal costs $7 for adults and $4 for kids under 14.
“We usually serve about 350 breakfasts,” Orton said. “That’s pretty good for an all-volunteer crew.”
Afterward, families are free to investigate the aircraft to their hearts’ content. Kids will no doubt be excited to try out the inflatable jump house on site, and if hunger strikes, a barbecue lunch and snow cones will be available to fill empty bellies.
Proceeds from meals will benefit programs hosted by Experimental Aviation Association Chapter 1441. As one of the nation’s premiere pilot’s associations, the local EAA chapter gives flying lessons to local youth interested in aviation. According to Orton, event planners hope the increased Festival crowds will bring in solid attendance throughout the day.