After a successful return to Chatham-Kent, Flight Fest organizers are already aiming high with plans for 2020.
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) of Chatham-Kent took over the event this year, bringing it back after a three-year break.
COPA Communications Director Aaron McPhail said they believe around 3,000 people came out Saturday, despite on-and-off storms throughout the day.
"There was a tremendous amount of support from the community to make it all happen," said McPhail. "This is the largest aviation experience in Chatham-Kent to date and we're looking to build on it."
McPhail said one of this year's highlights included the C-47 Skytrain plane -- a military transport aircraft used during WWII -- that came in from the Yankee Air Museum in Detroit. A number of rides were offered on that flight, including one with some historical significance.
"The C-47 was escorted by a Canadian Harvard -- that's the first time ever that we've seen an American plane being escorted by a Canadian plane over the city of Chatham," said McPhail, adding they are looking to expand their aerial shows next year.
"I think we're looking at expanding the show so that we can have some pattern flights and potentially in the future, have some performances put on," said McPhail. "We need the community's support to do that, so we would encourage everyone to continue to come to Flight Fest and enjoy all of the attractions we can bring to Chatham-Kent."
