Town’s 26th annual fly-in, Cement City Street Fair draws visitors

The town of Concrete was alive with activity last weekend during its 26th annual Old-fashioned Fly-in and first-ever Cement City Street Fair.

At the Concrete Municipal Airport, aviation enthusiasts strolled about admiring the various aircraft parked in the venue.

More than 100 aircraft and pilots attended the fly-in. Some pilots came from as far away as Montana, California and Oregon, said Jim Jenkins, who assisted event organizer Jack Mears with the event.

Jenkins said the weekend’s great weather led to a good turnout.

“I’ve been into airplanes all my life,” he said. “Just to have the enthusiasm and the people come out from local areas is great.”

The sight of airplanes landing and taking off from the runway was consistent through most of the day as pilots were anxious to get in some fly time.

Adam Tibbits of Redmond, Wash., had recently landed his airplane from a session of flying Saturday. He said it was his first time flying his airplane to the fly-in.

“I’ve been to a lot of other fly-ins, but the Concrete (Municipal) Airport is a gorgeous, beautiful airport,” Tibbits said.

Across town along Main Street, Concrete’s first-ever Cement City Street Fair bustled with entertainment.

Folks gathered around as musician Marcia Kester sang country tunes and a couple danced away nearby.

People were welcomed at the Historic Concrete Theatre for a free showing of the “Three Stooges in Orbit” and a poetry reading was held near the library.

Cherri Ledford, who attended a craft fair at the event, said she enjoyed visiting with people she hadn’t seen in a while. She said the event was a good way to bring visitors and business to Concrete.

Concrete resident Andrea Fichter, who also serves as the town clerk, attended the street fair with her family.

She said she liked the idea of a street fair in Concrete and hopes the festival is held again next year.

“Anything that can bring people out here,” she said. “It gives something for people to do out here.”