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HomeArts/LeisureWags & Wings Family Fun Fest a Huge Success

Wags & Wings Family Fun Fest a Huge Success

Clarksville Regional AirportClarksville, TN – The Clarksville Regional Airport (CRA) in partnership with the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County began a new tradition this weekend with the 1st Annual Wags & Wings Family Fun Fest on Saturday, October 14th, 2017.

Humane Society’s Courtney Berlyak talked about the success of the event and the fortuitous timing of CRA’s John Patterson’s proposal, coming just as Humane Society leaders had decided to end its annual Wags to Witches Fur Ball Bash.

Clarksville's Humane Society hosted the 1st annual Wags & Wings Saturday.
Clarksville’s Humane Society hosted the 1st annual Wags & Wings Saturday.

“Wags to Witches had a great 10-year run, but we decided to try something new, so today was our first ever Wags & Wings Family Fun Fest, and honestly, it has turned out to be bigger than we had anticipated,” Berlyak said. “We had a huge turnout, and a beautiful day, it was great.”

The event drew some major sponsors this year, including primary sponsorship from Fortera Credit Union, and a car show hosted by James Corlew which drew dozens of show-quality Corvettes.

In addition to the car show, there were numerous airplanes on display, an inflatable play area for the kids, and live entertainment for the whole family, including the Disc-Connected K-9’s, a group of rescue dogs who amazed audiences with their Frisbee catching abilities.

“People really enjoyed the variety of entertainment,” Berlyak said. “All the vendors and food trucks were a big hit, the Frisbee dogs were great, and of course the airplane and helicopter rides were very popular.

Wags & Wings Family Fun Fest primary sponsor Fortera Credit Union.
Wags & Wings Family Fun Fest primary sponsor Fortera Credit Union.

“I just want to thank all our volunteers, John Patterson and the CRA team, and Jeff Bibb and Frank Lott of BLF Marketing, for helping put this together and making it such a successful inaugural event.”

John Patterson was excited about CRA’s involvement in Saturday’s event, and where he sees this going in the coming years.

“When Theresa Harrington announced the end of Rivers & Spires, she talked about other community events being organized to take its place,” Patterson said. “We see this as a great opportunity for CRA. Wags & Wings could certainly become a signature event for Clarksville-Montgomery County.”

Patterson says that a portion of Saturday’s proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, and a portion of the profits will be reinvested for next year’s event.

“We are already looking forward to next year,” Patterson said. “We want to make this bigger and better, and as long as the people are enjoying it, we want it to continue. We are going to have an after-action meeting and start looking at how we can grow each component of the show for next year.”

Patterson wanted to mention it was advertised that the Commemorative Air Force was bringing a P-51D Mustang to Saturday’s show. Unfortunately, a mechanical malfunction prevented them from doing so. CAF sent its apologies and announced that it will be making a donation directly to the CMC Humane Society.

The activities of the day ended at 4:00pm, but as night fell, many gathered for a 21-and-over Hangar Party which featured food from Zaxby’s, beverages, desserts, and music by the Beagles. All proceeds from Saturday’s Hangar Party will go to the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County.

 

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