Airplanes & Breakfast draw 350 to Desert Aire Airport

DESERT AIRE - About 350 grandparents, parents and children enjoyed breakfast and airplanes at the annual Desert Aire Airport Fly-in & Breakfast on June 14.

But organizers of the airport's biggest fundraiser had a fright just before the sunrise party. It had rained hard on Friday, and there were 15 mph winds Saturday morning.

"We were not sure anyone would show up," administrative assistant Susie Gruber said. "However, from 7:30 a.m. until it was over, there was perfect weather."

Gruber was impressed with the way children reacted to the planes. For many it was a first time experience.

"You can't believe how wide-eyed these kids are when they are up close and personally touching the very large planes." she said.

Innovative volunteers came through with flying colors. Some new and some with years of experience, they teamed to make the Fly-In a delicious and exciting experience.

"We had a great turnout from the Desert Aire golf clubs thanks to Tom Weyland, president of the Men's Golf Club and Carolyn Holmes, president of the Ladies Golf Club canceling their Saturday golf tournaments," Gruber said.

The Military is still under sequestration and apologized in person for not being able to fly their Blackhawk Helicopters to the Fly-in. The A26 Invader attack bomber fly-over was not done because of a wing problem.

Approximately $1,600, after expenses, was raised for the airport's upkeep of runways, irrigation and burned-out runway lights.

"Bravo to Ken Broda, owner of Tiddaly Diddaly's, who gave us all the scrambled egg recipe that everybody loved," Gruber said.

Broda, Judy Haas, Sheryl and Allen Michler cooked and delivered the eggs.