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Last year, was a good event but hopes were that more people would attend this year.

Although numbers were not available by the end of the event, all indications are that this year's fly-in was a success.

"We had a 50 percent increase in attendance," said Rob Barnhardt. Betty Parsons took tickets at the Kiwanis pancake breakfast said many people showed up that had not purchased tickets. She couldn't estimate how many attended.

"There were lots (of people)," Parsons said. Kiwanians, Diana Needham and M.R. Gillooly coordinated the breakfast.

Gillooly said they ran out of food and had to get more pancakes, sausage, and even coffee. The pole barn where the breakfast was held was filled for two hours, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Carlisle said the cool weather and low wind were factors in the big turnout. "Pilots like it," he said.

The fly-in is an event small aircraft pilots look forward to. This Saturday, there were at least three fly-ins in northern Michigan. Pilots landed, ate, then took off for the next fly-in.

One highlight of the morning was the glider rides that took off about every half hour. The rides were provided by The Northwest Soaring Club, out of Frankfort Airport. Kalkaska local, Scott Antilla, a member of the club, arranged for the group to come to Kalkaska for the day.

For $75, a guest could take an introductory flight. A plane towed the glider to 3,000 feet, then let go, and the glider circled the area, landing back at the airport. Antilla, who piloted the glider, told a story of his son, Grant, 5, who was excited by his glider ride.

"Daddy, daddy, we're floating like a feather," he said.

Kiwanis advertised the event through airports, and the local papers.

Kiwanis advertised well. The community turnout was phenomenal. Usually most of the people who attend are pilots," said Antilla. Thirtyfour planes, at least one private helicopter, and a United States National Guard helicopter landed at the airport.