(Riverton, Wyo.) – The annual Lander Fly-In and Air Show might be a countywide event in coming years. John Larsen, representing the committee responsible for planning the event, approached the Riverton Airport Board this past Friday and suggested the two airports alternate years for the show.
“It takes a lot of time and effort to put on these air shows and we need some more help,” Larsen said. “Can we alternate years one year in Lander and the next in Riverton and so forth?” he asked. “The people I’ve talked to are very much in favor of it.”
Airport Board Chairman Dean Peranteaux said he thought the proposal is “a great idea. We’ve been talking about an air show for years. I absolutely think this is something we can do, co-sponsor and work together and make this a Fremont County thing,” he said.
Airport Division Manager Paul Griffin said the biggest need for an event such as a Fly-In is the cost and manpower. “We did one about 10 years ago and it cost about $8,000 to bring in aerobatic pilots.
Larsen said the Lander Fly-In “is not a cheap deal, the city of Lander gives us $4,000 as a seed, we get $2,500 from the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the rest comes from very generous local sponsors who like to see the activities that take place.” He said the Lander show annually attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 people. He said there is also a car show and concessions. “We had great support from the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.”
Peranteaux said the Airport Board would include the Fly-In as an agenda item for next month’s meeting. He said he would like to see a committee formed to begin planning. “It’s too late for this year, but we can start putting out the word for next year.”
Riverton City Councilor Mike Bailey, who is the council’s liaison to the board, said he liked the idea. “It is worth investigating and partnering with Lander. It’s a great promotion and will provide broader sponsorship.”
