Big names add punch
to sponsor drive for `99 air show By JANET
McGREGOR
Special to The Citizen
Luminaries
such as Peachtree City's Lewis Jordan, CEO of
AirTran Airways, are working to make an annual
Peachtree City air show the best ever in 1999.
Not
only has AirTran signed on as a title sponsor,
but Jordan is serving as chairman of the show's
advisory board.
Organizers
are expecting a substantial increase over last
year's 17,000 spectators for the Wings Over Dixie
`99 Festival and Air Show in September.
In
addition to the influence of Jordan, another
factor helping the show is the demise of the
Dobbins Air Show. We will now be the only
air show in the Atlanta area, said Ross
Berry, cochairman of the sponsorship committee.
During
kickoff ceremonies for the Peachtree City Show,
keynote speaker Hollis Harris, CEO of World
Airways and former sponsor of the Marietta show,
said, I'm a big fan of aviation and I think
it's great for Peachtree City to be filling the
void.
Jordan's
involvement has contributed another factor that
is increasing public awareness of the show
a number of notable sponsors have committed their
names, money and time.
Compaq
Computers, WSB Radio, Longhorn Steakhouse, Gene
Evans Ford and Hertz Rent-a-Car are a few of the
larger sponsors. Numerous local sponsors also
have joined in.
Lewis
brought a vision to Wings Over Dixie and has
helped tremendously in raising awareness of this
great event, said Berry.
Community
leaders in Fayette County, Fayetteville, Tyrone
and Peachtree City all have committed support to
the show this year. Last year was
phenomenal, said Berry. This year our
expectations are much higher, partially as a
result of the commitment of the community.
U.S.
Rep. Mac Collins said he is looking forward to
being involved as well. The show promises
to bring our community together, inspire us to
reflect on the sacrifices which have made
American great, and cause us to appreciate the
skills of individuals who pilot the aircraft our
military sends into the sky, he said.
Among
airplanes on display at the show are a 1943 SBD-5
Douglas Dauntless that has undergone a $100,000
restoration and an F-16 Fighting Falcon. AirTran
will be giving away eight sets of airline tickets
each day as well as other family trips. There
also will be food, planes to tour and
entertainment.
Part
of the proceeds will benefit the Fayette Youth
Protection Home. Other beneficiaries are Kiwanis
Clubs and the Dixie Wing of the Confederate Air
Force.
Wings
Over Dixie will be Sept. 11 and 12 at Falcon
Field in Peachtree City. For sponsorship
information, phone Jim Friday, director of the
Fayette Youth Protection Home, at 770-631-2469 or
Ross Berry, treasurer for the home, at
770-716-8796.
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