To the editor:

Once again the Marion community has demonstrated that it knows how to extend a wonderful Flint Hills welcome to visitors. The Heart of America Free Flight Association wishes to thank all the citizens of Marion for the fantastic hospitality enjoyed by contestants who participated in the association’s Paul L. Thomas Memorial Free Flight Model Airplane Competition Oct. 2 and 3 at Marion Municipal Airport.

Particular thanks goes to Doug Kjellin who was super prepared, organized, cheerful — and a great grillmeister. He was joined at the grill/smoker by wife, Amy; city councilman Chris Meierhoff; and chamber of commerce director Margo Yates. Thanks, Margo, for including HAFFA on the city bulletin board on Main Street.

Thanks to Mayor Mary Olson. The mayor got up before sunrise to welcome contestants to the city. She also pitched in to help Dick McLinden, of the airport advisory board, during the competition and graciously presented the 2010 Marion Cup to the top flyer, Don LeLoach of Colorado Springs. Other competitors came from Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and throughout Kansas.

Dick spent two busy days at the airport and made himself invaluable in many ways. He transported everything — models, the mayor, competitors, and a bouquet of flowers for the mayor.

Heartfelt thanks goes to Gretchen’s Taste of Heaven for sending contestants off each morning with breakfast. Gretchen opened two hours early Oct. 3 for HAFFA members.

Country Lakes Café provided an evening meal while HAFFA fliers traded big stories and stayed open on the spur of the moment after regular hours the evening of Oct. 1 to feed HAFFA visitors.

Our friends at the Marion County Record provided fantastic pre- and post-competition news coverage of the annual contest. Thanks to Susan Berg and her wonderful staff of reporters.

Our thanks to Country Inn Motel and Marion merchants. Everywhere the contestants went, they said they felt as if they were being presented with keys to the city.

Finally, there was Mother Nature — our gratitude to Kansas weather as well. Oct. 2 was a mite windy but Oct. 3 was a perfect Flint Hills day. We hope to see you next year.