Catesby Woodford, a longtime member of the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Regional Airport Board, went to the Mt. Sterling City Council May 19 to ask for support bringing an airshow in Madisonville, Ky., here next year.
Woodford said the Madisonville show has terrific community support and provides a boost to local tourism and the economy, to the tune of more than half a million dollars, according to one estimate.
Organizers in Madisonville have asked Mt. Sterling to take over the show next year, which brought in about 500 people, Woodford said.
He said people come from as far away as Texas and Florida to enjoy the show.
Woodford said this would bring back to Mt. Sterling a full air show that it hasn’t had in years.
Mt. Sterling has hosted a fly-in breakfast and static aircraft display for several years now after insurance costs prevented it from hosting an airshow with aerial entertainment.
Woodford asked for financial support from the city and county.
Mayor Al Botts said the city might be able to use some of the revenue from the city’s restaurant tax to support the event because of its ties to tourism.
Tourism Director Tracy Pearce said she is a big supporter of the event, which could increase tourism, but also boost economic development.
If the event comes to Mt. Sterling, Botts said it would likely coincide with the Nancy Green Festival in April.
Woodford was told to continue the discussion with organizers of the Madisonville event.
In other action, the council:
• Approved first reading of an ordinance adopting the budget for the next fiscal year.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance establishing a maximum height of eight inches of grass or weeds on properties in the city limits.
• Heard a parking complaint from Levi Conlee, who lives on Clay Street.
Conlee said his vehicle was towed recently because of where it was parked and claims the city’s zoning regulations are enforced inconsistently.
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