Air Show Benefits Flood Relief - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Air Show Benefits Flood Relief

Aerial views of the Mouse River Valley were a common and frequently requested sight one year ago.
It was one year ago this week that the Mouse River crested at it's highest level in history at 1561.66 on June 25, 2011.

Aerial views today reflect the trauma experienced in the valley.
Homes missing in the area of Ramstad Middle School.
Dying trees lining the river bed and missing grass at Roosevelt Park Zoo.
And FEMA trailer parks easily seen from the sky.
On Wednesday, July 4th, a NEW "view of the aerial" will take place in the name of flood recovery.
"Soaring Over the Souris" air show will feature flights with historical planes like the P-51 Mustang, and the Texas Flying Legends, kept in the collection at the Dakota Air Museum.
Aerobatic flights with Kent Pietsch and the Jelly Belly.
And a special appearance with the Canadian Snowbirds.

(Wendy Howe, Minot Convention Visitors Bureau) "The real reason for the air show was for flood recovery. Last year the Snowbirds had stopped in Minot to refuel and they took a drive through the valley and they were so moved by what they saw, they said, 'We want to do something for Minot.' So the Snowbirds have offered to come to the Minot air show for free.

Howe says this week is actually the Snowbird's week off from performances so that the pilots can spend time with their families.
Instead, their families are coming to Minot for the holiday for the Snowbirds free flood recovery performance.
Sponsorships and donations are also being accepted at this week's air show.
The proceeds will be donated to the Minot Area Community Foundation.
The MACF partnered with the Rotary Club to fund the grass seed project in advance.

Again "Soaring over the Souris" is free to the public and will take place on Wednesday, July 4th.
Special previews for the air show will continue here on KX News this week including a flight in the Jelly Belly and Shaun Sipma's flight in the P-51 Mustang.