Water Follies Air Show Report
by Rick Magnuson

On July 22 & 23, the Water Follies Association brought the Air Show back to the Pasco Airport from the previous halftime fill-in at the boat races. The Tri-City Radio Control Modelers have been part of all previous air shows and this air show was no exception. Almost. To make a long story short, thanks to George Vargo and Larry Dickinson (retired Pasco Fire Chief and head of the Air Show ground crew), TCRCM was again able to attend the Air Show with some last minute scrambling. Larry Dickinson was very kind to us as he not only let TCRCM use his personal canopy but also got us moved to a very desirable location. In front of the port (left) wing of a C-17, next to the 2 Miss Budweisers (the hydro and the young lady handing out flyers) with a view off the flight line.

On Saturday, we had a super display! Planes everywhere, from Big Birds to planes in the "bones" (not yet covered). Only trouble was wind. Lots of wind! Many Air Show acts were scaled down or cancelled. Even the Thunderbirds, the stars of the Air Show, modified their show and added an extra margin of safety in their passing routines. As for us, the only word that could describe the windy conditions was brutal. Many spectators left early due to the wind.

Sunday was a different day entirely. The weather was near perfect. Spectators were everywhere. And only 4 TCRCM members showed up as Saturday wind took it toll on some members while others have prior engagements (remember this was a last minute scramble to even get into the Air Show). With only the planes from the 4 members, our display was a little sparse. Larry Mitchell saved the day by going back home (aka the "Larry’s RC warehouse") and returning with as many planes as he could fit into his Suburban.

We had a ton of people stopping by, looking at our planes, asking questions and having a good time. Larry brought his Super Chipmunk complete with a Chipmunk pilot that was a hit with the little kids and even a few big kids. Meanwhile, Don Hall was having a blast with his electric plane. Don had tied down the plane on the ground near the edge of the display area and sat in the rear with transmitter in hand. When a family was looking over Don’s plane, he would give the throttle a momentary advance. The prop would spin, the family would jumped, then laugh, point out Don to their children and give Don a thank you smile. Del Nichols had it made. His daughter was an Air Show volunteer driving a golf cart around. Del got to ride all over the place, including restricted areas.

Many thanks to Gordon Anderson, Glenn Ball, Bill & Brett Bowen, Lee Books, Leon Fleming, Don Hall, Terry Hane, Allen Hare, Garry Jones, Rick Magnuson, Bob Matlock, Ted Meier, Larry Mitchell, Del Nichols, Monty Stratton, Barry Turnbull and Jerry Wallis for participating and promoting the Club. And thanks to George Vargo for getting us in and a big thank you to Larry Dickinson for looking after us.

This page last updated 08/13/00 13:03