North Georgia air show adds attractions
by Diane Wagner, staff writer
May 16, 2012 | 3499 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Michael Goulian will fly Sept. 28-30 as part of the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome. (Contributed photo)
Michael Goulian will fly Sept. 28-30 as part of the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome. (Contributed photo)
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The lineup continues to grow for the 2012 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show set for Sept. 28-30 at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome.

JLC AirShow Management announced Monday that the U.S. Army Silver Wings parachute demonstration team, Red Eagle Air Sports and Liberty Jump Team have been added to the show — which will feature the Royal Canadian Snowbirds and Black Diamond Jet Team as headliners.

The Smoke-n-Thunder Barbeque Classic and Auto Show, a competition sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, also is part of the event.

Floyd County Manager Blaine Williams said JLC has put together a more polished plan than the sponsors of previous air shows at the facility.

A big difference: The county is no longer being asked to assume any risk of poor ticket sales or to foot the bill for security.

“I’m very impressed by their organization and the amount of resources they’re committing to this event,” he told County Commissioners.

The board has signed off on an agreement that gives JLC an exclusive five-year contract to bring the show to Floyd County’s airport. Williams said there are out-clauses, but the company wanted some way to protect its investment.

“They will be spending money to market the show and build visitors,” he noted.

The county will provide standby fire and rescue personnel and limited access to utilities such as water and electricity. It’s also going to give JLC a 5-percent commission on fuel sales to air traffic drawn by the show.

JLC will handle everything else, including security, sanitation, parking and specialty crash, fire and rescue equipment. The company also will give Floyd County 10 percent of the net proceeds in 2014, 2015 and 2016, after attendance has built up.

“They’re also going to donate 5 percent to local charities they select,” Williams said.

Discounted advance tickets are on sale at the WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com website. General admission for adults age 18 and older is $13 per day, or $18 at the gate. Upgrades and premium packages also are available.

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