AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) — After months of being postponed, planes finally hit the sky at the Boshears Skyfest.
The event was scheduled for an October weekend, but that all changed during the government shutdown.
A day with the planes isn’t something that just excites fans, vendors are also glad to see the clouds over Daniel Field had company Saturday. Although, what brings the biggest smile to their face is business.
It’s an annual event that brings out the crowds, but the Boshears Skyfest didn’t get off the ground in October after the FAA couldn’t sign the waivers to give it wings.
“The governmentshutdown. We heard about it three or four days before it was actually supposed to happen,” said Danny Haywood.
Haywood, is a vendor, at this year’s plane party. He’s glad things took off this weekend, but admits his business took a hit after the delay congress caused.
“Being prepared with all the stuff we bought kind of put us in a bind, because we had all that food and stuff on hand,” he told News 12.
Haywood and his crew sold turkey legs and funnel cakes to airplane fans all day. He hopes politicians take notice, because when they close for business others shops like his hurt.
“This and small festivals keep us going,” he said.
While Haywood’s staff is working, moms like Mary Pullen are pulling out cash. Planes flipping and turning in the air is what draws Pullen and her two boys to come each year. She hopes she can continue to keep the tradition not just for her sake, but the city’s too.
“It brings attraction to Augusta and also the kids have enjoyed this wonderful day,” she said.
Planes will continue to hit the skies over Daniel Field on Sunday, which is good news for Haywood, because that means more work for him and his employees.
“Food wise it’s going to take a lot more than what I brought today. I’ll be cooking all night again tonight and buying more supplies and stuff,” he said.
Tickets are available for $18 at the gate.
If you have kids under 12, they go in free with a paid adult ticket. Gates open at 9 a.m. and planes hit the sky at 1:30 p.m.