The skies above Iola and Allen County will be filled with fireworks this weekend.
They’ll just as likely be filled with the distinctive powered parachutes starting Thursday for the ninth annual Powered Parachute Fly-In at Allen County Airport.
The fly-in could draw as many as 40 powered parachute enthusiasts from across the Midwest, said Ron Smail, one of the organizers.
One has registered from Texas, Smail said. Another will come from Colorado.
The flyers will gather at the end of the airport’s abandoned runway.
They’ll fly, as long as the weather permits, that evening, then again Friday, Saturday and perhaps Sunday.
Because the powered parachutes are highly dependant on the weather — anything more than a slight breeze usually keeps them grounded — most of the flights likely will be around sunrise and sundown.
Smail said the flyers will travel to Chanute on Friday morning and Uniontown Saturday for breakfast.
Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and inquiring minds. The operators are eager to share stories about their hobby.
Rides won’t be offered, Smail said, because of difficulties in the past in accommodating everyone who wanted to fly.
That, in turn, has led to some hard feelings from spectators, Smail said.
Assisting the effort once again are Iola, Allen County and the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re always grateful for their help,” Smail said.
Look, up in the sky!
