Second annual Wings over Wasilla Fly-in Airshow this weekend

WASILLA — The city of Wasilla is hosting the second annual Wasilla Fly-in Airshow this weekend, pulling city officials, local volunteers, and pilots from across the state together for a one of a kind series of aerial competitions and performances.

Wings over Wasilla will feature a spectrum of small airplane performances with several competitions like the show and shine event. The public is invited to participate in this free event starting this Friday and concluding on Sunday.

“I think people are going to love it,” Wings over Wasilla committee chair Mike Koskovich said.

Registration for the event takes place Friday with a welcome reception with food trucks to follow.

The main events start Saturday morning with a motorcycle parade led by a police escort 10 a.m. In addition to an array of aerial spectacles, there will be several vendor booths to browse through. There will also be several events like an Outhouse Dusting, a Candy Drop, silent auction, and square dance.

Fly-in events conclude on Sunday, with awards and a closing ceremony to follow.

Koskovich has been involved since the event’s inception. He said that he’s going to personally be up in the air for the special missing man formation in honor of the late Alaskan pilot, Robert “Bub” Hallett.

“It’s a traditional way to close out an air show,” Koskovich said. “It’s a way we salute and honor those who’ve passed before us.”

Koskovich said to expect all kinds of planes with unique demonstrations, including a simulated water drop by Mat-Su Forestry Division, showing how they fight wildfires.

“I think that will be a real crowd pleaser,” Koskovich said.

Koskovich grew up around planes. When the mayor’s office asked for his help to make this event a reality, he took to the endeavor immediately with a flying passion. He said that he’s flown across the world and through countless events and circumstances. He said it’s fulfilling to foster this event for his community, aspiring to grow it each year

“It’s fun to do this kind of stuff,” Koskovich said. “It’s kind of nice to give back a little bit.”

Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle is confident this event will continue to grow. He said Wasilla’s central location with good parking opportunities will help that along.

“The event’s just gonna’ get bigger,” Cottle said.

Alaska has the highest rate of pilots per capita in the whole country. Koskovich said Wings over Wasilla is a very fitting event to put on.

“It fits in with who we are, what we do, and where we live. It’s a truly Alaskan thing to do,” Koskovich said.

Wings over Wasilla runs from June 12 to June 14 at the Wasilla Airport, located at 900 S. Beacon Street.

For more information, call 907-373-9010 or visit cityofwasilla.com/i-want-to/find-information-on-the-wasilla-airshow

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com