Tourism Event flying in to Marlin Airport soon
Marlin Municipal Airport will soon be home to a new tourism event hosted by The EAA34 Skywriters Chapter.
The idea was presented before the Marlin City Council on Aug. 11 to grant access to the facilities for the event.
“They want to bring down anywhere from 30-35 planes,” City Manager Cedric Davis explained to the council.
EEA34 is the 34th chapter of the Experimental Aviation Association, housed out of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. It was the first chapter established in North Texas and has been on its mission of spreading general knowledge and “securing the future of aviation” since 1957.
The initial idea for the event is a pancake breakfast pilot fly-in. This would bring in aviators from across the country to see Marlin’s airport, who would be “flying in” for the event.
Marlin citizens and community members from the surrounding area will be invited to the event as well, with a “Young Eagles Rally” operated for kids. A possible partnership with Marlin ISD was mentioned also.
The Free Young Eagles Flights program began 25 years ago and is dedicated to introducing and inspiring children ages 8-17 into the world of aviation by giving them their first flight in an aircraft. There have been more than 2M flights given to children across the nation.
The Skywriters want to hold a fundraiser as well; a raffle that could potentially bring in revenue for the City of Marlin to use for upgrading the airport. It was stated that the breakfast could potentially raise upwards of $3,000 depending on the attendance.
“The proceeds could go into helping restore our current airport,” David explained.
Some suggested prizes include kayak, 65” TV, iPad, Camping Gear, Flying lessons, and more.
Davis recently travelled to Cleburne, Texas, who he says is quickly becoming a “sister city” for Marlin, to take a look at the airport there and meet with the airport manager.
“There are ramp grants,” he recalled. “The manager from the City of Cleburne Airport will help me put those submissions in.”
Noted as a primary act, putting up a fence would be covered by these grants and would help to minimize the vandalism caused by rogue drag racers.
According to Chris Sims, Vice President of EAA34, this event could be the first of many for Marlin.
“Our ultimate long-range goal would be to develop and attract more pilots to use the Marlin T-15 airport and patronize the local businesses and attractions,” he stated in an email to city officials.
The aviator believes that events like this could have a positive influence on the entire community.
“Many pilots around the state and country look for fly-in events like this for recreation,” he noted. “And sometimes make 1- or 2-day economic tourism impacts to the local economy by shopping, eating, and sometimes overnight stays in hotels."
There are a few checklist manicuring items that will have to be taken care of before the function, but it is expected to be scheduled for the end of October or beginning of November.
The event will be advertised both locally and nationally, in part by the City of Marlin and in part by EEA34.
Marlin Municipal airport is located out by the old city lake, about 3 miles NE of town. More information about the event is expected to be released soon.