By Brett Davis
This year’s Oregon International Airshow, spot-lighting the Air Force Thunderbirds, was held at the McMinnville Municipal Airport and was supported by the Portland-Blueback Council.
While the pandemic was still a factor, the air show went on, albeit in a different manner. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 30-Aug. 1, thousands of parked cars lined up at McMinnville Airport for the airshow, tailgate style. Even though the show was downsized, it still took upwards of 200 volunteers per day to pull the event together. Among the volunteers were first responders and National Guard personnel, who needed to stay hydrated (Friday’s temperature hit 104 degrees) and fed.
The Portland-Blueback Council, over the three-day period, provided lunch to 175-200 volunteers each day and stocked coolers with thousands of bottles of water and ice. In addition to members of the council, a group of Navy moms assisted at the volunteer food chalet on Sunday.
Council board member Tom Finneran directed activities in the chalet and successfully obtained thousands of dollars in donated food items. Tony Sebbio, council vice president, worked closely with Finneran and coordinated the chalet volunteers. Council President Gary Piercy and board member Jake Jacobs also volunteered as cooks.