Can anyone remember when the last Memorial Day Boogie had good weather throughout?

Wow!  Where do I begin this update?  We had quite the weekend.  Let’s start with last week; some of you noticed the increase in jump prices.  I really hate to do that but, as you know, fuel prices have skyrocketed.  Unfortunately we are a fuel-based sport but I can’t wait until we can use bio-fuels in the aircraft.  You can see our new prices by clicking HERE.

The campground was full of campers this holiday weekend.  It’s neat to see the different locations people pick out for their camp.  Our new cabins have been selling like hotcakes.  Funny thing is that we are still waiting for the power company to hook up the power.  If you want to use one for an event then call soon.  We only have a couple days still available for Summerfest.   Call 815 433 0000 for reservations.

We have seen a strong increase in student business.  We have doubled our numbers from last year!! We have another 5 people enrolled in our AFP in a week program. We welcome  Patrick Cooney, Marty Dominik, Matt Meyer, Brian Cole, Chaz Hinkle, and
Sam Bierlein to the AFP program.  This course has really taken off.  Thanks to Biff, Frank, Troy, Donovan, David, and Steve for cranking out the AFP jumps.  It was cool to see the AFPs out number the tandems on some loads!   Congratulations to Kris Hanson for completing the AFP program, and never stop learning!!   The new jumpers are eager to finish this week so the loads will be turning. 

Friday night marked opening night of the Tiki Bar.  Geniez Café will be opening the Tiki Bar every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Please remember that we have a lot of overhead into the bar, insurance, and licensing: please don’t bring in outside booze.  The party was definitely in full swing with summer finally making an appearance. 

Saturday started with the sun shining, and loads going, with many fun jumpers making most of the great weather.  Both Otters were flying back-to-back and once it was all said and done almost 50 loads went up on Saturday.  Saturday marked the first training camp of Mandrin.  The team, along with 4 farm teams, will be training at Skydive Chicago for the US nationals in Eloy.  I can tell that I’m not use to doing back-to-backs, as this morning was a little rough getting out of bed.  I guess that will happen after 53 jumps.  The ‘bags’ were out enjoying the great weather.  Max headed up some 20+ways throughout the weekend.  In addition to Mandrin, SDC’s On the Fly was training.  Good luck to all the teams on the long route to nationals. 

   
                Photos By Charles Lane

David had his tandem team ready for a great tandem weekend.  With 100+ tandem days on Saturday and Sunday David kept his cool and made it run like clockwork.   Even with the weather holds on Sunday we were still able to get everyone in the air by the end of the day.  Thanks David and his team.

Saturday the Dayton cemetery committee held their annual meeting in the auditorium. Both the Skylounge and auditorium are available for private parties or events.  Contact manifest for more information.

Sunday we hosted the WDSRA Jump-A-Thon fundraiser.  Thanks to Mike Deegan, Sherry, Lea, and Gail for help making this a great event.  They brought out 34 tandems that raised $800 each to do a tandem jump.  Many friends and family came out to cheer their loved ones on.  It was a really good vibe all day and the west lawn was packed with spectators. 

Coming up this weekend Dave will be heading over to Freefall Midwest in Michigan.  This is our last contract until the fall.  I am still working on getting a smaller turbine here for the weekdays.  It looks like we might be getting a Porter.  It’s a 9-place turbine that climbs pretty quick.  They look funny but are good work horses.  This is also the world meet aircraft. 

Many of you know John and Robin who recently got married in Italy...Congratulations to the newly weds!

June 1st is swoop club.  This is the reschedule of the last event due to weather. 

June 6-7 is the first New Wave Boogie.  On the Fly will host this event geared more towards beginners.  Make sure you show up early Saturday to be involved. 

June 12-14 Roger Ponce Invitational

Thanks to everyone for a great holiday. 

Rook