Brad Foster 2022 Memorial Fly In : Saturday April 9th

[XCanytime]

I was just contacted by Krista Foster, owner of North Mountain Vineyards, and the widow of Brad Foster, a long time supporter and friend of the local hang gliding and paragliding community. The pandemic put a kibosh on holding the annual fly in the past 2 years. However, Krista has requested that the tradition of the Silent Airshow continue on. Therefore, North Mountain Vineyard & Winery wants to host the 2nd Brad Foster Memorial Fly-In this spring, most likely mid April. We would like to have on display Hang Gliders and Paragliders. XC flights to the winery have been achieved, with 2 hang gliders landing there from Woodstock during the 2013 event, and 2 paragliders landing there from Edith's Gap during the 2014 event. 2015's event weather was not ideal, but then again the event was held in May, where the frequency of NW/SE weekends diminishes. The 2016 event was moved to the 2nd weekend of April in hopes that the probability of a NW weekend happening would be increased. Well a NW weekend did occur, but we had high winds and snow showers on the Saturday, so indoor activities dominated the day . 2017 was great; we had 2 hang gliders land at the winery. 2018 had light conditions, but dogged determination allowed one paraglider pilot to make it to the vineyard. 2019 had light conditions again, but the same paraglider pilot duplicated his 2018 flight by relaunching after a 1st flight and making it again to the vineyard. Let's hope that this year's weather has a bit more wind to enable more safe flights in addition to the possibility of XC flights to the winery, and let's turn out in force to honor Brad, who was always welcoming to us. Bacil

[XCanytime]

I was just contacted by Krista, and she stated that Saturday April 9th would be a better fit for the fly in, so Saturday April 9th it is. Mark your calendars. Bacil

[XCanytime]

Forwarding the email I just received from Krista. Let's turn out in droves to support her and North Mountain Vineyards. Bacil

Hello Bacil,

We have had computer problems, if we have missed any e-mails, please forgive, it has been complicated.

It seems that we are once again on line!

Plans for Brad’s fly-In are progressing. The outline so far is: You and your pilot friends are the VIPs. Let’s hope for good weather! Saturday, April 9.

If the weather is right for flying, you could possibly land around 1 or 2 o’clock, display your beautiful birds. Party in the Great Room, complimentary wine and buffet for all pilots and guests. John had a handsome mahogany plaque made for Brad, and he will dedicate it.  Music from 2 – 5 pm.

Should the weather not allow you to fly, the party is on and we hope that the pilots will come and tell awesome stories. There will be some sky diver friends of Brad, also a Golden Knight.

So looking forward!

Thank you so much for helping to arrange this Pachanga.

Cheers from Krista

 

[XCanytime]

Given the tragic event of 3/3, I contacted Krista about doing a tribute during the afterparty. Here is her reply:

"Hello Bacil,
We are so very sorry to hear this.
Yes, a tribute to Ward at Brad's Fly-In would be the good, proper, and 
wonderful occasion to honor him.
Please plan for whatever you can do and what we can do to make this a 
memorable occasion.
Keep in touch, we will be awaiting your thoughts.
Sometimes things get a little too heavy for our shoulders.
Very sincerely
Brad, Krista, John, and Kelly"

Please contact me via PM w/ your inputs. Bacil

[XCanytime]

13 days to the fly in. Please try to attend. Bacil