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Wings Over Sandpoint fly-in is Saturday

by CAMERON RASMUSSON/Hagadone News Network
| August 8, 2014 9:00 PM

SANDPOINT - You haven't seen everything Bonner County has to offer until you've seen it a couple thousand feet from above ground.

Fortunately, residents and visitors alike have a chance to do exactly that this Saturday. Sky-high fun awaits them at the ninth annual Wings Over Sandpoint fly-in, an event that draws more than 100 planes and pilots into Sandpoint Airport for a day of incredible aviation activity. Admission to the event is free of charge.

"I think people really enjoy coming in to see the planes and talk with the pilots," said Andrew Berrey of Granite Aviation.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, which will be served until 10:30 a.m. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for kids under 14.

Then comes lunch time, which will feature plenty of barbecued beef, bratwurst and more. All proceeds from the lunch will go to support the North Idaho High School Aviation Program, a series of classes for local high schoolers designed to introduce them to careers in aviation-related fields.

The opportunities don't end with the food, however. Throughout the day, pilots will be flying in to take part in the festivities. In previous years, Wings Over Sandpoint drew visitors from Texas, Colorado, Canada and the east coast. Berrey believes this year will be no exception. In fact, he expects between 75 to 125 airplanes of all makes, models and designs to fly in throughout the day. These aircraft will include very interesting examples of amphibious planes and older models, Berrey said. The plane exhibition will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Attendees will have a chance to get an in-depth look at the process of constructing a plane by participating in a noon tour of Quest Aircraft. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for scenic flights around town, as well as plenty of activities and a jump house to keep kids busy.

With hundreds of visiting folks in town for the Festival at Sandpoint, Berrey believes the day will be a fine time for out-of-towners and residents alike.

"I always love seeing the community come out to take part in local aviation," he said.