Airport Expo planned for May 14

Posted on April 27, 2022

A first-ever “Airport Expo” will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the Perry-Foley Airport to benefit the Taylor Senior Citizens Center (TSCC).

The day-long fundraiser will begin at 11 a.m. and feature a fly-in of private airplanes, skydiving exhibition, music, vintage military vehicles, food and a contest among pilots to determine which plane can take off and land in the shortest distance.

The unique event is being organized by Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett and Richard Connell, founder of the non-profit Georgia-Florida Aviation Search Team (G-FAST).

“Our community has a great asset in the Taylor Senior Citizens Center, but they need additional resources, and we are hoping this fundraiser will be a significant help,” Sheriff Padgett said.

Owners of vintage and newer military vehicles have been invited to display their vehicles. Event organizers say they expect vehicles to be present that have never been to Perry before.

Connell said plans are still being developed, but he expects aircraft from throughout Florida and adjacent states to travel to Perry-Foley Airport to compete in the short takeoff and landing (STOL) event.

“Short takeoff and landing competition is a growing sport nationwide, and our airport has ideal facilities to attract a lot of first-time visitors to our community,” Connell said.

Connell said competition by pilots of the specially-designed aircraft will be a crowd-pleaser, as will the two-mile high parachute jumps that occur throughout the day.

Admission is $5 per person at the gate, and children under 10 will be admitted free.

Chicken dinners will be on sale for $10. All proceeds will go to benefit the TSCC.

“We are beyond grateful for the team the sheriff and G-FAST have put together to raise funds for our center. We serve senior citizens, and we want to do more going forward. There is a need for more hot meals and in-home services. Any monies raised will be used to help Taylor County seniors,” TCSS President Diane Landry said.

The gates will open to the public at 11 a.m. and activities and food will last until 6 p.m.

Tickets for the event can be purchased in advan