LETTERS: Cooperation, collaboration needed for tourism event
Cooperation, collaboration needed for tourism event
To the editor:
At the risk of offending some people in my life, I can’t help but make some comments about recent events and feel a need to clarify issues around the Heart of America Free Flight Association and their event in Marion.
I was at the event last year. The HOFFA members were wonderful, responsible, kind, and conscientious participants. The only reason there was any damage at all was because of incessant rain that plagued most of the morning that Saturday. Had the weather been nice, you would have not been able to complain about any damage. They wanted to take care of the facility. Permission was obtained from surrounding landowners to retrieve planes that happened to cross boundaries. This did not often happen. Small motorbikes and scooters were used, which left no ruts or damage behind. Within a few weeks, a person could not tell they had ever been there. All damage was repaired by rolling the grass a bit.
The HOFFA folks really loved being in Marion in spite of the weather. They raved about the beautiful lake, the flint hills, the quaint downtown shops, and restaurants. They wanted to come back. Some talked of bringing their families back to the lake to camp and enjoy the area.
It is so disappointing that the airport board is so shortsighted and appears to see the airport as their own private playground that is being paid for by city taxpayers. I find it hard to believe that alternate arrangements could not be made for the very short time the airport would be closed. Obviously, a large area of open, unobstructed land is needed for this event. Think of all the increased risks and hassles of holding it closer to town with houses and larger highways.
Last year, Marion Youth Advancement Committee sold concessions and fed HOFFA members, raising around $2,000. HOFFA members from around the state and the Midwest came and stayed in our hotel and filled all of the area bed and breakfast businesses. They ate at our restaurants, bought fuel, shopped at Duckwall’s and Carlsons’, and camped at the county lake. If the weather had been better, we would have had the potential for more spectators and friends of HOFFA members attending as well. A person could easily estimate several thousands of dollars that had the potential to come to our community from this event. When was the last time merchants in Marion made any money from the municipal airport?
This was a good event for Marion. The lack of insight and courage by Marion City Council is disappointing. It is so sad that it seems there are so many who would rather be obstructionists instead of opportunists, who would rather criticize than collaborate, and be only directed by self-interest rather than the best interest of the community.
Amy Kjellin
Marion
Last modified April 1, 2010