Pioneer Times photos/Gloria Austin
UP AND AROUND — Stunt pilot Jim Parker entertains the crowd at the second annual Wings and Wheels by flying sideways, upside down and straight up and back, while throwing in a few loops and barrel rolls. The Jim Parker Airshows was a new piece added to this year’s show that turned out to be a hit.
Second annual event draws thousands to airport
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — It was the perfect day for roaming around at Houlton International Airport. A slight breeze, sunny skies and the second Wings and Wheels event.
Around 2,500 people agreed.
“It was an awesome turnout,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce and one of the organizers of Wings and Wheels. “People were having so much fun they stayed for hours.”
GOT THIS — Chad Duff thoroughly enjoyed his tandem skydiving experience with Vacationland Skydiving. While floating toward the ground, Duff acknowledges those below who are waiting for him to land.
A steady stream of spectators came to the airport to get an up-close look at many airplanes and helicopters at the airport.
“The air show was thrilling,” said Torres. “Jim Parker was so professional in his routine and you could feel the crowd holding its collective breath when he did stalls and dives. A highlight of his show was the race with Wes Tidd on his motorcycle. Wes won the race with a top speed of 175! We will definitely have Jim back next year.”
A demonstration highlight was Jerry Hammond and his drug-sniffing dog Dorsta. Hammond had hidden drugs in several places and called his dog to work. It did not take long and the dog had sniffed out the illegal item. Hammond’s dog drew applause from the crowd when Hammond gave the figure for the drugs the dog has kept off the streets. It was impressive to watch a playful dog with his master, playing with a rolled up towel turn into a professional when called to duty.
Pioneer Times photos/Gloria Austin
LIL’ PILOT — Landin Little throws his glider at the camera, as he had fun seeing all of the planes and helicopters during the second annual Wings and Wheels at Houlton International Airport.
“Customs and Border Protection did an awesome job with the Sheriff’s Department doing a takedown on the runway,” added Torres. “The cars were in a high speed chase and reached some pretty impressive speeds before being stopped by the Border Patrol helicopter.”
Then there was the water drop by the Forestry Service Huey helicopter.
“It was fun! Pilot Chris Blackie was back for his second year and as always does a great job,” Torres said.
Two spectacular features of the day included the Acadia Air Tours and the Vacationland Skydiving.
Pioneer Times photos/Gloria Austin
RIDIN’ ALONG — These two guests at the second annual Wings and Wheels had a blast in one of the vintage cars on display.
Acadia Air Tours brought a biplane up from Trenton and offered scenic rides in an antique plane. Riders were able to get an aerial view of area.
And then there were the Vacationland Skydivers and all those who dropped in a tandem jump over Houlton International Airport.
Pioneer Times photos/Gloria Austin
I DID IT — Lori Weston, Houlton’s economic/community development director, celebrates her first skydiving experience. She was one of 16 brave souls who dropped from 10,000 feet for an eight-minute ride to the ground.
“Vacationland Skydiving really did a great job filling in between scheduled events,” said Torres. “They managed to bring 16 brave souls up to 10,000 feet for an eight-minute ride to the ground, while opening and closing the show with a spectacular skydive by four of their instructors.”
With all of the “wings” side going on, there was also a “wheels” event. Jon Miller coordinated a cruise-in of classic cars, which were displayed adjacent to the airport hangar. There were plenty of vintage vehicles along with vendors selling classic and antique car parts. Miller also provided music, contests and constant updates on what was happening on the runway.
“We got a lot from Canada and many locals for the cruise-in which added a whole other element to the event,” said Torres. “Jon Miller was dee jaying and coordinating this part of the show throughout the day.”
Throughout the event, WHOU-FM and Q96.1 were on the grounds for live remotes. Chris Putnam of WHOU-FM also kept everyone near the runway informed of the schedule of events and kept those in attendance informed about who was skydiving and floating in overhead. Putnam also provided information and quick facts on the different presentations so the audience knew what was happening on the tarmac.
To end the day, Gene Ross and Ben Torres dropped 40 pounds of candy to the delight of 150 children, who looked like a herd of stampeding wild beasts when Ken Hayes released them for the race across the tarmac.
“This was by far the most exciting event that I have ever had the privilege to present and, hopefully, we will be back for many more years,” Torres said.
Pioneer Times photos/Gloria Austin
SOMEDAY — Julian Banas of Houlton takes time to check out Terry Wade’s Triumph during the cruise-in part of the second annual Wings and Wheels held at the Houlton International Airport.
