About 600 attend Fly-In Breakfast

Cresco -With an overcast sky and threat of rain, the 37th Annual Fly-In Breakfast on Aug. 5 at Ellen Church Field in Cresco still had a successful showing. 

There were about 12 planes that flew in and around 600 locals and visitors who came for the omelets and pancakes, served by over 50 volunteers.

But it wasn’t just about the food. Kids and adults alike could get a first-hand look at a fire truck, ambulance and Gundersen Health Care helicopter. The local emergency personnel got a little break when the helicopter flew in as many of those hanging around went to see it.

In addition, pilots stood by their planes to answer questions and maybe let a few kids sit in the pilot’s seat!

Another exciting opportunity at the breakfast was getting plane rides from area pilots. The Jenkins family of Lyle, Minn. flew in two groups. Jessica and son, Dawson, enjoyed a ride in Arvid Nielsen’s plane, which was a surprise to Jessica.

“I work for Sterling and visit the pharmacy in Caledonia. Arvid was the one who told me about this event!” Jessica noted.

Dawson related it was his first plane ride and he was happy it flew over Harvest Farms Campground, between Kendallville and Harmony, where the family was camping. He saw the Upper Iowa River and some ponds.

Jessica noted the patterns in the fields were interesting.

One of the attendees, Donald Lienhard, is a former local pilot. Lienhard said the furthest he ever flew was Washburn, about 10 miles south of Waterloo. Some of the other flying enthusiasts he hung out with were Roger Christians, Paul Sir, Dale Turnmire and Milford Erdahl.  “When the airport was first built here, there was a grove of trees. It made air pockets and caused some dangers. They cut down that grove.” Although Lienhard no longer flies, he still drives to Cresco for the event every year with his family. 

Some fun facts: Sixty pounds of ham and cheese were used, as well as 130 dozen eggs, 40 pounds of butter and 70 boxes of pancake mix.

The Fly-In Breakfast is sponsored by Cresco Area Chamber of Commerce.