14 May 2016 Event: Smithville Airport Fly-In Location: Smithville, Texas
The 2016 Smithville Fly-in was a first time event for the Lone Star MVPA. The event was Saturday, May 14th, 10:00am – 2:00pm. We arrived at 08:00 and were set up by 10:00.
Lone Star members provided 4 vehicles and two large military displays. We set up along the inside of the entrance to the airport. The vehicles were positioned along the edge of the road, several feet into the freshly cut grass, allowing people to walk around the vehicles and displays.
Members present included Madison with his M37A1, Joey H assisting with setup, Jim H with his M38A1, James H with his 1009 and chaplain display, and Matt T with his 2 ½ ton shop van along with family helpers.
The weather was warm and overcast with light rain showers in the afternoon as we were packing up. Around 100 people and approximately 50 aircraft were present and on display. Our vehicles and displays were very well received by the public and event staff, many of whom expressed appreciation. This was a small event and not sure we should support it next year. If we do support it I do not think bringing the big displays is that well viewed.