The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE second annual Grand Bahama Air Show will be bigger and better, with some exciting new features, including a kite festival and fiery sky dive act, in addition to thrilling aerobatic performances and a career fair.

The two-day event kicks off this morning at 8.30am with a career fair and seminar for youngsters at the Western Air terminal, with the main events taking place at Taino Beach on Saturday.

The kite festival is a new component and begins at 2pm, followed by the air show at 5pm when seven pilots will take to the sky performing flying tricks, manoeuvres and stunts.

The Taino Beach grounds will be transformed into a festival site, where there will be Bahamian food, and musical performances and entertainment.

Back again this year are the Aero Show Team, headed by aerobatic pilot Paul Schulton; the Shooters (Sky Dive) Team, and the Airboss Team and John Wayne Cavalry which are co-ordinating and organising the aerobatic air show.

Mike Zidzunias, a representative of Sun ‘n Fun - the largest aviation show in the US which is sponsoring the airshow in Grand Bahama and the first outside Florida - is also back and continues to be an instrumental partner in the event, and establishing the Young Eagles events in The Bahamas.

Nuvolari Chootosingh, manager of sports tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, said fans can expect a far more exciting show than last year’s inaugural show.

“The second annual show has a series of events this time around. It will be a thrilling mix of breathtaking aerobatics, culture and family fun,” he said. “It is an event that will involve the entire Grand Bahama community and this year a brand-new feature is added.”

Mr Zidzunias believes that airshow will not only entertain, but will change the lives of Bahamians and inspire more to enter the field of aviation.

“I have been asked to orchestrate the Young Eagles for Bahamian students that will fly here. To date, we have flown approximately 50 Bahamians students,” he said.

“Mr Z”, as he is called, told of how one of the young men who was part of a Young Eagles event on Long Island is now a commercial pilot.

“We did the first event in Long Island where we flew 26 kids, and last year during the event in Freeport we flew another 26 to 27 Bahamian children. Out of that, one of the young men we met in Long Island is now a commercial pilot and we helped him find his way to become a commercial pilot and he is now flying freight and passengers to Stella Maris,” he said.

Paul Schulton, pilot of Aerobatic Act, was thrilled to be back in Grand Bahama flying his Christen Eagle again in this year’s show. “I am flattered to be here again,” he said. “I am thrilled to share my love of aviation with the people in the Bahamas and (to be) meeting the young folks to inspire them.”

Betty Bethel, director of tourism in Grand Bahama, commended Greg Rolle, senior director sales marketing and sports at the Ministry of Tourism office in Florida, and his team for the work they have done in putting together a wonderful partnership.