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‘Angels’ flying here?
Published Wednesday, November 4, 2009
courtesy photo
Andalusia Homecoming 2010 organizers are trying to schedule the U.S. Navy’s “Blue Angels” for a show next year.
Organizers of Andalusia’s Homecoming 2010 say they hope to secure the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, for Andalusia next November.
South Alabama Regional Airport administrator Jed Blackwell told the Andalusia City Council on Tuesday night that he has been in contact with the Navy and has made a request for a show.
“That doesn’t mean we’re going to get it,” he said.
The city’s Tourism and Relocation Committee is organizing Homecoming 2010 events around Veterans Day, as part of Alabama Tourism and Travel having declared next year the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns. Andalusia’s celebration kicks off with Veterans Day events, and is expected to include open houses in local schools, homecomings at area churches, and a fly-in or similar event at the airport.
The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts. The precision flying team had 69 air shows at 35 sites in the United States during 2009. Blackwell said Navy organizers expect a Blue Angels event to attract 20,000 to 30,000 people per show, and that parking would likely be a big issue if the group agreed to come here.
“The odds are against us getting a show, but the odds were against us when Dwight (Mikel) got the (Babe Ruth) World Series here,” Blackwell said.
Blackwell said he’s pursuing other possible air shows, including a vintage aircraft show, if the Navy declines the invitation.
Comments
Posted by jujaphillips (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GO FOR AND GO ANDY BULLDOGS.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 5:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you have never seen the Blue Angel's flying in formations you don't know what you are missing. These are awesome, talented guys.
I hope everyone, especially the kids, get the opportunity to see them here. I for one, am a big kid in awe, when I watch them perform.
Posted by pingbalata (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a close friend who had an opprotunity to actually do a "fly along" with the Blue Angels when she lived in Gulf Shores. She has told me so many stories about this once in a lifetime experience. Some are touching ( her dad took her to see them as a child and she told him that one day she would fly in one of those jets), some are hilarious ( her pilot told her to eat bananas the night before, they taste the same coming up as they do going down).
I hope we get a show...it will be a wonderful experience for everyone!
Posted by princess7 (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh man, this would be awesome!! I have always wanted to see them and have never been able to. What a great opportunity for our town if they come!! Fingers crossed!!!
Posted by DastardlyFellow (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I could think of numerous other issues that municipal energy could be spent pursuing. The Blue Angels would be a great addition to the Andalusia skyline, but is this really what we should focus on during these times?
Posted by realist (anonymous) on November 5, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Blue Angels doing a show here would bring thousands and thousands of dollars of revenue to Andalusia and Covington County businesses. People will travel a long way to see their shows.
That being said though, I doubt we will see them in Andalusia.
Posted by cbrown05 (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 3:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How fitting a name you have, DasdardlyFellow. There is absolutely no "downside" to the Blue Angels performing locally. Loosen up!!!
Posted by Jama (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope they will perform here! My dad has taken me to their shows in Pensacola and Gulf Shores my whole life, and I absolutely love them! Thank you for attempting to bring some new and exciting events to Andalusia!
Posted by thugg4life (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The only show they would do here would possibly be a brief flyover during a practice run, like at a football game, which they do regularly in the pensacola area. That would still be cool though and be a way to open a small air show.
Helo-based and small plane show would be great, with all the helo assets around the area (Ft Rucker, Whiting Field, Hulbert) Could possibly get a Pcola trainer plane formation also.
I think Middleton Field in Evergreen area also has a fly-in.
Of course Confederate Air Force (oops, COMMEMORATIVE A.F.) would participate.
Posted by BigDogDaddy (anonymous) on November 9, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blue Angels at Andy Airport ???........sure......
and be sure to watch the flying pig show !!........
Posted by MsGRITS (anonymous) on November 10, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anybody want an "Air Show" can come to my house on Cottle Creek Rd and witness the "Fly Overs" by all the helicopters EVERYDAY--ALL DAY. Sometimes even an 10:30 or 11:00 night show.. Those cost extra. All power to the Blue Angels--seen them may times.
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