BETHEL — Despite the threat of severe thunderstorms, Sunday’s first Summer Fly-In was a success, Jim Doar, Bethel Regional Airport manager and town manager, said Tuesday morning.

Not only did the event attract 25 aircraft from Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Florida, it pulled in an estimated 200 spectators.

“The airport’s first annual Summer Fly-In was made possible by a number of community volunteers, Civil Air Patrol members, local pilots, and businesses that donated countless hours in the planning and execution of the event that made it the success that it was,” Doar said.

Kicking off the event was an impressive series of formation flybys over Bethel and a smoke show by three 1950s U.S. Navy T-34 Mentor trainer aircraft flown by commercial airline pilots Bob Mahanor (retired) and his two sons Mike and Joe, Doar said.

Bob and Mike Mahanor are from Fryeburg; Joe Mahanor is from Pennsylvania.

The fact that Bob Mahanor was just presented with the FAA’s prestigious Wright Brothers Award for 50 years of flying made the demonstration more special, Doar said.

Various radio-controlled model helicopters and powered parachutes continued aerial demonstrations throughout the day.

In the afternoon, six pilots from Maine and New Hampshire tested their skills in a precision spot landing competition.

Kenyon King, a Chatham, N.H., pilot flying a 1966 Cessna Skylane 182J won bragging rights, a plaque and $100 worth of aviation fuel for landing closest to the mark within the designated landing zone, Doar said.

The second-place plaque and $50 worth of aviation fuel went to Ben Planert, who flew a 2000 Cessna Skyhawk 172SP owned by Twitchell’s Airport of Turner.

All other competitors received participation ribbons and a round of applause from the spectators.

Other contests included “Youngest Pilot,” won by Planert, 26, of Turner; “Oldest Pilot,” won by Bob Mahanor, 81; “Oldest Airplane,” won by local pilot Christopher Merrill with his 1946 Cessna 140; and “Aircraft From Farthest Away,” won by Mark Rodstein with his 1983 Lake EP from Wellington, Fla. They received trophies and participation ribbons.

In addition to the demonstrations, displays and competitions, commercial pilot Planert sold scenic flights to spectators, Doar said.

“The 15-minute rides were so popular that, at times, the line extended across two hangars and flights continued well past the closing of the event,” he said.

Bethel and Greenwood fire departments sold beverages and food to raise money for their organizations. Bethel Airport event volunteers also sold T-shirts and raffle tickets for a 50/50 drawing and $100 worth of aviation fuel.

Connie Hart of Fryeburg won the 50/50 drawing of $132.

She “graciously donated all of her winnings back to the airport so that a folding picnic table could be purchased for future events,” Doar said.

Jodie Krisiak won the $100 worth of aviation fuel.

Event sponsors Hideaway Rentals of Newry and Mast Cove Seaplane Base and Maintenance of Naples and Bethel donated all trophies, plaques, ribbons and aviation fuel prizes, Doar said.

The next airport event is the 3rd Annual Fall Foliage Benefit Scenic Rides Event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15.

Local volunteer pilots will provide scenic airplane rides in exchange for a donation to the airport to cover the associated costs, Doar said.

There will be food, music and children’s activities during the event.

Unlike the Fly-In, which featured competitions and demonstrations, the October event is geared toward giving airplane rides to the public, he said.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com