PERRYVILLE – The paper airplane flying distance competition was again a huge hit at the third annual Perryville Airport Fly-in held Saturday, May 20.
Contestants, ages 6-12, had two launches.
First place went to 10-year-old Carson Holdman whose plane flew 47 feet on his first attempt and 52 feet on his second.
Second place went to nine-year-old Riley Lyons whose plane flew 21 feet and 42 feet; and
Third place was awarded to nine-year-old Eli Riney whose plane flew 42 feet and 20 feet.
Competitors were awarded McDonald’s gift cards and a gift from the Air Force recruiting booth, which was on hand for the fly-in.
New at this year’s fly-in was the iconic World War II B-25 bomber and the Vietnam-era Huey and Cobra helicopters.
Organizers estimate nearly 600 visitors to the airport, including 75 planes that flew in for the event.
“Our main objective for the event is to showcase the Perryville Airport and let people see what a great asset it is for Perryville and the surrounding area,” said Greg Gremminger, Perryville Airport board
member. “We also like to stage the fly-in to try to entice young people to take a look at aviation as a career or a very fun hobby.”
To that end, the SIU-Carbondale School of aviation and SEMO Flight School had booths to talk to young people about how to get started in flying.
The Perryville Airport Board thanks the many volunteers and vendors, and a special thanks to area businesses who donated a door prize for the event, which is always a fun addition.