Three new records: great weather, record attendance for the fireworks show, and some rocking nights at the tiki bar. YEA, that was a fun Holiday weekend!!

                   Photo By Charles Lane

First, congratulations to the SOS for completing two new state records on Thursday: a 17 and 18 way.   Way to go guys!!

Friday night we jumped into downtown Ottawa for the fireworks display.  Thanks to Tracy and John for making the jump.  The city’s show was pretty cool but there was no UFO jump!!  

                   Photo By Charles Lane

Congratulations to the POPS participants on there new 81 way state record.  It was an uphill battle for them but on the last day they held it for an amazing 8 seconds!!  Thanks to TJ Hine, Max Mejier, John Kalland, and Eric Bickle for heading up the event.  I look forward to future events, maybe a 100 way next?!

This past week was close to an all time record for tandem jumps with nearly 500!   Some days this past week felt like a Saturday!  I hope the trend keeps up.  Don’t forget our ten for ten program that can earn you some free jumps.  If you refer 10 first time tandem students to us you will get 10 free jumps!

Saturday we really had some great weather and calm winds.  Big thanks to Donovan, Christa, Anthony, Amber, Joel, and Kenny for supporting the record attempts.  The O2 tanks can get heavy by the end of the day.

On top of the POPS record and 100 + tandems we also held the annual Freefly money meet.  This annual event is a scrambles where you use everyone for points.  It is great to get to jump with everyone and see the progression year to year.  In the intermediate category, former local jumper Don took 1st place with Doug Legally in 2nd and Patrick Veeder in 3rd. 

The funny thing is Don hasn’t jumped in 22 months and had to do a coach jump prior to being able to compete!!   In the open category TJ Ewing and Scott tied for 1st and Kris Tangie placed 3rd.  Thanks to Mike Wiitenburg for organizing the meet, Drew and Kris for judging, and all the camera flyers. 

Saturday night was the busiest I have ever seen SDC.  We estimate over 1000 people in attendance for the show.  There was a steady stream of cars coming on to the property for a good hour before the show.  Besides a funneled exit the jump was, once again, loads of fun.  Thanks to Tracy, Chris, Chad, Ben, and John for capturing it all on film.  It’s funny that now a days to impress skydivers you have to light yourself on fire and jump out of a plane!!  Scott, Allen, Jeff, and the rest put on one heck of a show. 

As if the firework show wasn’t enough Chris Ferrell and company jammed into the night.  The tiki-bar was rocking well into the AM when last call was made.  I was amazed on how alive the grounds were with people.  I don’t think I have every seen so many people hear and it was dark!!   SDC was certainly the place to be this weekend. 

Right around the corner is Summerfest.  We have a jammed packed week of events.   I hit the Euro mags with ads hoping to attract them with the current exchange rates.  For the latest info CLICK HERE.  We are looking for grounds help during the event.  If you want to be involved but are a little short on cash or want to earn jumps.  Contact rook@skydivechicago.com. 

Slots are starting to fill up on the hot air balloon days.  We have 18 per day and it will be here only on the weekends.  I know the last day is almost filled already!  Book your jump with manifest 815 433 0000 today. 

I’m looking for another helicopter to take the place of the one we had.  I have a feeling it might be in the shop for a while.  I’ll keep you updated but as of now we are taking it off the website. 

We are rolling into another busy weekend with team training on the schedule.  Starting Thursday we are guaranteeing 10-15 loads each day (weather permitting).  We have 5 teams that will be out here so if you feel a 24-hour cold coming on SDC is the place to be!!

At the Tiki Hut on Friday night (which will open around 8:30PM), we will be doing something a little different.  We will be serving assorted Sushi rolls which you can purchase individually & as many as you want.  Also on Saturday, David will be creating a dish from the Spanish cuisine.  You will still need to purchase a dinner ticket to guarantee your plate for Saturday’s dinner & the tickets will be available starting on Friday afternoon. Not sure on prices yet but will have them posted on the Café’s Special’s board.  See you there.

                   Photo By Shane Eggenberger

Coming up:

July 11 AFP class
July 13 Swoop Club
July 18 Water training  (last one before Summerfest, required for B license)
July 19 RW scrambles with the Furies
July 26 – August 3rd Summerfest

Keep up the great submissions for sunset of the week!! 

Thanks to everyone that made SDC their home for the Holiday!! 

Rook