There’s no better way to promote an airport to the community and built goodwill than to produce an air show, and Brian Weidendorf and Matt Johnson have been doing just that at Weidendorf’s “Field of Dreams” airport in Hinckley, Minnesota, since the airport opened in 2003. It’s a small town air show that’s getting bigger each year! The show was held this year on July 11.
Located next to the Grand Casino facility, the airport regularly attracts gambling guests. On this Sunday, those that flew in were much more interested in aerobatics than games of chance.
Though the weather forecast called for strong possibilities of rain, the day started with scattered to overcast conditions and lots of optimism for a fun day. The Hinckley Fire Department provided visitors with an excellent pancake breakfast, and a car show offered mobile artistic statements to a ramp full of airplanes.
Dr. Tom Stillwell of Minneapolis chose the Hinckley airport for this year’s destination in a “tribute to veterans,” as he and several other volunteer pilots through Club Cherokee brought a large group of World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans to the show. This is the 10th year that Dr. Stillwell has organized such an outing as a way to thank our veterans for their service to our country.
Performing in the show was Mike Niccum of Webster, Minnesota, flying a Staudacher S-300; Christine “CC” Gerner from Lakeville, Minnesota, flying an Extra 300L; and Bryan Jensen, also of Lakeville, flying a modified Pitts Model 12 that he affectionately calls “The Beast.” Wayne Flury of Buffalo, Minnesota, once again did the play by play over the public address system.
Finishing with a patriotic theme this year, the air show finale was flown by Clyde Zellers from Springfield, Illinois, flying a 1943 North American SNJ-5. Zellers promotes his presentation as a “Navy Aerobatic Air Show,” but in reality it is a tribute to each of the armed services.
Starting his performance to the music of each of the service anthems, and following with the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Amazing Grace,” there is no narration while he flies. Zellers asked that each person watching his flight reflect upon the sacrifices that others have made so that we were able to be at Hinckley enjoying the day.
While there was murmured appreciation of Zellers’ flying skills as he demonstrated the maneuvers that young aviators were taught in his World War II trainer, the crowd was remarkably quiet. The music from the loudspeakers complemented the roar of the airplane. As Zellers landed and taxied to the ramp, the last bagpipe notes of Amazing Grace faded to silence. A few moments later the P&W R-1340 radial engine went quiet, the canopy opened, and
Clyde Zellers was greeted with a strong round of applause. Now that’s showmanship, ladies and gentlemen! Clyde had noted that he hoped his performance and the show’s recognition of the veterans would bring tears to our eyes. Looking around at the audience, it was readily apparent that he succeeded!
