Sauk Prairie Airport Minutes
February 21, 2007

Prairie du Sac Town Hall

6:00 PM

We held our kick off Sauk Prairie Airport Inc. meeting and the following items were discussed.

  1. The next Fly-In planning meeting will be Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at the Town of Prairie du Sac hall at 6 P.M.   The regular meeting of the SPA will meet prior to this at 5:30.   
  2. Priority # 1 is to notify Wisconsin Gaming Commission of our intent to have another raffle.  We have furnished the requested information on the results of last year’s raffle.  Linda Wiedenfeld, Jim Kaz and Dave Landsverk will chair responsibilities for raffle ticket sales with Jim Kaz as chief Chair.  We must get our raffle permit number and prizes ASAP so tickets can be printed.  It was agreed to reduce the price per ticket from $10.00 to $5.00 each. 
  3. The date for the Fly In is Saturday, June 23rd with a rain date of Sunday, June 24th.  (It is not going to rain)
  4. The Cub Scouts will be selling popcorn this year, Mrs. Klinkner to coordinate. 
  5. Curt Mueller will again be Chairman and Dave Lukens and Robin Bromley will be the co-chair persons.   Dave Lukens phone is 643-7806.  Robin Bromley’s is 643-3356.
  6. Please note the attached comments from last year for suggested Fly In improvements.   Thank you to Bill McFarlane, Bill Klinkner, Bill Ireland, Dave Lukens, Rich Blackmond and the staff at Mueller’s for offering these suggestions.  Please be prepared to discuss these comments at our next Fly In meeting. 

    Suggested changes for 2007 Fly In

    A schedule of events posted (or handout) with times of events and location.  Better signage on displays.  More publicity, earlier.  Take advantage of free public service announcements on radio and television.   

    Food… No chicken served next year. Just brats, burgers, hot dogs, pork, pizza.  Family’s are more apt to purchase these than whole dinners.  Chicken is a lot of work.  Several people suggested NO chicken.    Provide more generous food offerings or a lower price.  Offer Wyttenbach’s BBQ pork sandwiches.      Have separate food lines, with signs, for each food choice.  Hot dogs, one line, burgers, one line, etc.    Have a separate beverage line OR beverage at each line.   Beer brand, not everyone’s favorite.  Beer stand next year, Yes or No?    Live band and DJ, are they worth the expense? 

    Place ticket sellers in controlled area with no public access behind them.  Use cash drawers instead of aprons.  Better signage for ticket lines, food lines.

     Areas that collect tickets in exchange for service or food should have a separate, labeled collection box for tickets so we can have a better idea of sales or what is our best money maker.  Tickets would be counted after the event for future information.

    Do not have the EAA breakfast the same day.   If a breakfast is planned, do it ourselves and do it right.  Have a pancake breakfast at Mission Control instead of other hangers.  Several people suggested a breakfast at Curt’s hanger to avoid the safety issue of crossing the runway and offering Port a Potties to breakfast attendees. 

    Put on an Air show? Very simple and inexpensive!    Have more planes and/or helicopters for rides.  No long waits.  Have seating in ride area for the people who have to wait for a ride.    More organization at that location.  Post information. 

    Raffle should include more prizes.  Corporate contributions from community.  Start selling earlier.  Raffle tickets should be less than $10.00.  Put more information on the ticket.  Drawing should be the same day.  (Drawing needs to be a week later because of the tickets and money that come in after the event.)   About $9,000.00 came in the week after the event)  Better control of tickets distributed and turned in.  Most people returned the sold tickets and cash in an envelope with record sheet and their name.  This helped a great deal with record keeping.  Turn in sold tickets prior to the event even if you have more to sell.   Identify the tickets you turn in with record sheet.  

    Parking of cars and ease of access had very positive response.  No change necessary.  We need clearly marked Handicap parking.  How about golf cart taxis to cart older people from parking and to the displays. 

    Communication issue includes being able to contact other volunteers, Mission Control and being spread out. A communication service other than Air Band, for emergencies should be considered.  Equip key people with transportation and two way radios.  

    Aircraft parking safety issue included the landing approach for helicopter rides was over the event crowd much of the time.  Avoid flying over the crowds at low altitude by any aircraft.

    Park all aircraft West of the runway. 

    The Military Helicopter display was to far away from the other displays.  A long walk for some folks.

    A knowledgeable volunteer or two was needed along the fence to answer questions and provide information on the static displayed aircraft.  Provide handouts about the use of our airport, it’s history, statistics on usage, future plans, community impact, Federal requirements, etc. 

    Build on the car/tractor/motorcycle show for more variety to the Fly In.  Advertise this concept more.  Add more antiques with antique fire trucks and airplanes, too.

    Need designated supervisors for specific areas and someone to report to and/or answer questions.  Volunteers need better organization.  Designated meeting stations and supervisors.  Posted check in area. 

    More exhibits.  More things for kids.  Carnival rides.  Possible “Spin the wheel” game with t-shirts, hats, small prizes.

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