WOODVILLE – Tyler County’s first ever fly-in and food truck festival was a big hit with more than 1,600 people venturing out to the airport for a day of food, fun and skydiving.
All sorts of airplanes were on display, and the Re-Max hot air balloon even made an appearance. Chamber of Commerce president Cathy Bennett and crew pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable, and fun event for one and all.
Congressman Brian Babin, along with Principal Chief Donnis Battise, Mikko Choba, Chief Kanicu from the Alabama Coushatta Reservation in Livingston warmly welcomed everyone, with the colors presented by the Woodville Volunteer Fire Department, and the national anthem presented by Shelby Tillery.
State Rep. Trent Ashby made an appearance and gave a short welcome speech also.
There was a variety of food trucks on hand to offer up tasty food and drinks to festival goers. The smell of BBQ permeated the air, along with tacos, burgers and turkey legs. Several vendors offered up crafts and knick-knacks, but the real star of the show were the planes.
The Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Museum offered rides available via the historic SNJ or Navy JRB. The Falcon Flight Formation Team put on two shows, Space Center Houston was there, and thrill seekers even signed up to sky dive, giving attendees spectacular views of some solo and tandem jumpers. Special guests also included Lone Star Flight Museum, Texas Army National Guard, Re-Max, Skydive Galveston, and Waller County Aviation Museum.
This successful event could not have occurred without a lot of volunteers from various parts of the county pitching in. Chamber President Cathy Bennett commented, “the event turned out absolutely amazing, what started out as a fundraiser turned into a really important community event to bring awareness to our airport and the important part it plays in our future economic development. I think it was absolutely phenomenal, so many moving parts and all the parts moved the way they should; they say it takes a village. Congressman Babin was really impressed, and (chamber executive director) Holly Wells is an amazing event planner”.
Tyler County Emergency Management Coordinator John Settlocker brought all the fire departments together, and with help and advice from Chamber board members, had cooling station set up, and a triage center ready. Volunteers were giving golf cart rides for handicap patrons, and there was even a set up for hayrides for the littlest festival goers.
Some words of congratulations and acknowledgement followed. Holly Wells commented, via social media “ I just want to personally recognize a few people behind the scenes that made this happen. Corey Soignet, our air boss, this event wouldn’t have happened without you (literally speaking). Then the backbones of the event that worked through the heat, sweat, and maybe even some tears, Joe Blacksher, Mike Cabaniss, Burtis and his crew from the courthouse, John Settlocker of Tyler County Emergency Management, Kent Slim Martindale and Joshua Kame. Thank You guys so much.”
From Brian Babin, “Congratulations to the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce board and members on the incredible success of your recent Tyler County Fly-In & Food Truck Festival. Your vision, dedication, and hard work were evident in every aspect of the event. I commend you on this outstanding achievement. AS you continue to grow and reach new heights, please know that I am cheering you on and wishing you the best as you make positive impacts in our community. I look forward to attending more events organized by the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce in the future”.
Woodville Mayor Amy Bythewood chimed in via social media, “wow, the Chamber Fly-In was spectacular. So many food choices and vendors. And the planes, just fabulous. Shout out to the Woodville Volunteer Fire Department for presenting the colors, Shelby Tillery for singing the national anthem, congressman Babin’s welcome, and all the hard work from the chamber and their sponsors. Cathy Bennett, great start for a new and annual event in Tyler County”.
From the Chamber: “We wholeheartedly thank everyone that came out today. Over 1,600 people came out and enjoyed the food trucks, which most sold out by 2 p.m. All the patrons that endured the heat, but so worth watching Falcon Flight formation flying, sky diving and the vintage plane rides and other crafts. We thank everyone that volunteered with the event and everyone that came together to make this happen”.
The chamber also gave a huge shout-out to the many sponsors, among them Mann Furniture and Appliance, NAPCO, Naskila, Citizens State Bank, Read Logging, Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas, Martindale Real Estate, and Hooks Title Company. All of the sponsors helped make this event happen; so many businesses and even businesses outside of the county came together to show their support for the Tyler County Fly-In and Food Truck Festival.
