Hodges Hobbies Heli Fly-in Oct. 24-26

[JoeScott]

Hodges Hobbies in Americus Georgia will once again be having its annual fall heli fly in October 24th-26th. Last year we had a good turnout and hope to make it even better this year. Visit the Hodges Hobbies website (http://www.hodgeshobbies.com) for directions and local hotel info.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd291/joescott70/HodgesHeliTshirt.gif

[Foxden]

Joe,

Is the Hodges Date etched in Stone? Since this is just now being posted the Jax Fall Fest is the weekend before and has been posted for months, I'm just concerned with the Hodges event being the weekend after what kind of participation you could expect, we like to attend both and with us also comminted to the New England Extravaganza the weekend of the 11th it's going to be tough to make all three.

Would extending into the beginning of November be an option? I know there is generally a great turn out at Mac's because there is a break in the schedule but I think with back to back weekends and people already committed to the Jax event the Hodges event may suffer.

I haven't heard much yet about Mulberry but that is generally the weekend of the 15th in November.

[Mike Fortin]

I agree, the events are very close and I would hate to have another turnout like last year at Mac's.

Jacksonville has been posted for a long time and already has many, many people committed.

If there is a possibility of changing the dates now would be a good time to do it, just make sure it doesn't conflict with Mulberry either.

[DavidH]

A comment from me as someone that holds an event.
There is only 52 weekends in the year. And now there is 2-3 or more events somewhere every weekend. So it makes it difficult for an event director to pick a weekend.
As for my event, it was not difficult to choose a weekend. Back when I started the event 15 years ago, there were only 3-4 events a year across the USA. So I chose a weekend that I thought was best and have held the event on the same weekend for the last 15 years.

So an event director just has to try to pick the best weekend he can and go with it. I know there is a couple of events, it is hard to judge when they will hold the event. The date for them has been changed every year and is never at the same time. That makes it difficult for people that plan to go to these events.

David

[BarracudaHockey]

I know that we considered atleast a two week spacing from any events in the area before we posted our dates. I wouldn't worry about something in Texas but I wouldn't want to conflict with anything in the Florida, Georgia area and I'd hate to miss y'alls event this year because its so close to ours.

[Mr-C]

Close, but no cigar. You could end up pulling your hair out trying to find a date that doesn't conflict with anything. If you were to change it to the first week in November, you'd probably end up on the same weekend as Mulberry; that is, if they have an event. I think David has the right idea to pick your weekend and go with it. Either that or have Mike pick your date and then blame him if the weather goes sour. :smokin:

[BarracudaHockey]

We blame Mike anyways! :D

[Mike Fortin]

Man that Mike...I tell ya! :wow2:

[JoeScott]

I know its hard to schedule a heli event these days without having back to back weekends, etc. This date was picked by Mac and has been the same for the past three years. I'll ask Mac about changing it to October 31st - November 2nd and see what he thinks.

Thanks for the input.

[DavidH]

Joe,
Just my opinion. Have the event when you planned to have it. If people want to attend they will attend. If they don't they won't. With the price of gasoline and such it is getting more and more expensive to go to events. So people are looking to attend the events that will cost them less money. As in money for gas. <G> I know from talking to people that drive to events, most of them look at where the event is held more than what date it is held on.
Just my 2 cents as an event director. Most of the events I have been to in last 3 months or so the attendance is down for them. So I would think the $4 a gallon plus for gas is affecting them more than the dates they are held.

David

[JoeScott]

The event is still a go for October 24th-26th, this is the definate date. I hope everyone can attend and have a great time at the best flying site in the southeast. Look forward to a great time as always!:thumbup:

[Andy17]

I am planning on it and hope the weather is better than the last one.

[acri84]

Count on the Covington guys being there! Lets hope the rain cuts us some slack.

[JoeScott]

Sounds good, looking forward to seeing the southeast crew again.

[David DeWitt]

Mulberry will be November 7-9/2008.....will post next week on the heli sites.

Thanks,
David DeWitt

[JoeScott]

David, thanks for the announcement on the Mulberry date, I look forward to making it again this year.

The Hodges Heli Fly-In has been the same weekend in October for the last 5 or 6 years and we plan to keep it the same in the future.

See ya in October!

[JoeScott]

Bump, 2 months to go!

[JoeScott]

Bump!

[NolanManley]

Bout 5 weeks now huh. Planning on making this one and bringing another flyer or two. :YeaBaby:

[Mike Fortin]

No B-29 demo this year....Mac's B-29 got destroyed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWbzId0vQGM

[Wa11banger]

That is totally a shame. That B29 doing 3D while flying was a sight to behold.

Sorry for your loss Mac we all will miss her.

Rick

[NolanManley]

Looking forward to seeing you there Rick. :happyd

[JoeScott]

Bump

[Tommy Whitaker]

I plan to roll in late Wednesday night and more of the Huntsville folks will be there Thursday and Friday.

Tommy

[jared_of_atlanta]

I hope to be there.