Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (Y23) in Wisconsin had its first annual fly-in Aug. 6. What my partner Tim Knutson and I wanted to accomplish was to show the residents of the Chetek area how general aviation, flying and airports benefit a community. We also wanted to promote the airport and flying and have some fun, along with raise money for local charities.
Here’s what we did: We held a fly-in, serving a lunch with all the food paid for by members of the airport. We served the food, asking only for a free will offering with all the proceeds taken in that day given to four local charities. We added a twist to “sweeten the pot” in that anyone donating $10 or more towards their meal would receive three chances for one of five airplane rides donated by the pilots/owners.
The event was an absolute success! It exceeded our expectations. We accomplished a great deal that was positive that day for aviation and our local airport. With all the negativism about general aviation and small town airports having problems, I thought it would be nice to send you some VERY positive news.
Chuck Harrison
Chetek, Wis.