Planes weren’t the only attraction at the Iroquois Fly-in Breakfast Because of the inclement weather, there weren’t many planes actually flying in at the Iroquois Fly-in Breakfast on Sun., July 16, but this one managed to take-off, circle around and come in for a perfect landing. Planes, however, weren’t the only attraction. There was face painting, information tents, spinning wheel demonstrations, heritage weaponry, including a cannon and a variety of classic cars. And then of course, there was the breakfast, which consisted of ham, eggs, baked beans, a roll, coffee or tea and an orange drink.   Tinkess Photo

IROQUOIS – Heavy rains, thunder, and lightning earlier in the morning followed by heavy clouds were the culprit, but even so, a couple small planes were able to fly in while three others taxied over from their hangers, so people young and old could have a good look at them and ‘look’ they did.

Planes, however, weren’t the only attraction. There was face painting by Candace Latulippe, The Historical Society of South Dundas had an information tent, as did The Friends of Crysler Farm and The United Empire Loyalists, there was a spinning wheel demonstration by Gord Moat and the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry gave a demonstration of some heritage weaponry, including a cannon, which drew a large crowd. Several members of the Golden Gears Car Club were also there with a variety of classic cars.

And then there was the breakfast, which consisted of ham, eggs, baked beans, a roll, coffee or tea and an orange drink. The cost was $12 per person, and kids under 10 ate for free.

The grey skies meant that things started slowly, but suddenly there was a crowd, and while there was a line forming, it didn’t last long. According to event organizer John Ross, new addition, Nathalie Page had things well organized. Page said she was satisfied with how things were working and that things were running smoothly. “I think the weather is holding, knock on wood. And we just saw an influx of people, so that was really nice,” she said.

She continued “Everybody is happy, and people in line are commenting that they have been waiting all year for this.”

Mr. Ross said that usually they would have expected around 800 people and a lot more planes. Due to the weather conditions, they were preparing to serve 600. “When it runs out, it runs out,” said Ross. “Otherwise, you get stuck with the extra food.”

“The weather to the north is poor,” he added. “We’ve only had one fly-in plane -no two of them. At least the kids can sit in the planes and have their picture taken, and I’ve been doing a lot of that.”

According to Ross the event gets washed out about one year in ten, which is a pretty good average. It is the Iroquois Flying Club’s one event of the year, and it is all run by volunteers.

A comment was made that things seemed to be running very efficiently to which Ross replied “We can produce one breakfast every eight seconds. No restaurant can beat that.”

Anyone who knows John Ross, would not be surprised in the least by that comment, nor would they question even for a moment its accuracy.

The final event of the morning was the Historical Society of South Dundas 50/50 draw which was won by Daniel von Richthofen and Joyce Morris who collected $260.

As the noon hour approached, there was nothing left to do but pack and clean up. The good news is that next year will be the 56th annual event.