By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The pilots and planes for 2024 Great Bend Airfest are beginning to arrive ahead of the busy three-day weekend at the Great Bend Municipal Airport this Friday through Sunday. In May, the Barton County Commission agreed to increase the county's sponsorship for the event from $8,000 to $25,000.
Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes attended Tuesday's county commission meeting to hash out final details and award tickets on behalf of the county. As part of the county's sponsorship, each community in Barton County will get a flyover. With help from the city of Great Bend and USD 428, the first flights take off Friday night.
"We did create the Game Day Flyover for the Panther football game," Hayes said. "So Friday night, the Panthers get the flyover. They also get a Jeep bringing in the Ladies for Liberty. The Ladies for Liberty will be singing."
Central Plains High School in Claflin and Great Bend were the only two Barton County schools with home games Friday night. The flyover in Claflin is scheduled for between 6:35 and 6:50 p.m., and the flyover in Great Bend will occur just before kickoff at 7 p.m.
Hayes also provided updates about the three days of Airfest. Because Saturday is a full-day event, attendees can gain admission with a ticket, leave, and return as long as they have a wristband. There will be plenty to do even when planes are not in the sky.
"More than just the airshow is that you get to go tour the planes, walk through the B-29, and talk to the pilots," said Hayes. "That's part of the fun and experience of the down time. It's basically a living museum."
More than 1,000 students are expected on Friday for Area School Day thanks, in part, to the Golden Belt Community Foundation. More than 10,000 attendees are anticipated for Saturday. Water and ear plugs will be on sale at Airfest for $1. Several food vendors will also be present. Airfest tickets may still be purchased online or at the gate with a card, check, or cash. Hayes suggested purchasing tickets online to save a small fee if using a card. Pets will not be allowed inside the airshow gate.