Metro Airport to Host First Plane Pull Festival on Oct.4

Dust off your weights and get pumped for the First Annual Greater Baton Rouge PLANE PULL and Festival!

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport will host one of the largest fundraisers ever in the Capitol City on Saturday, October 4. The event is being held to benefit The Arc Baton Rouge which provides for the special needs of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in nine parishes.

ARC provides vocational and children’s services, as well as inclusive recreation opportunities for people of all ages with and without disabilities, including summer camps and various sport activities. The Plane Pull will provide ample sponsorship opportunities for businesses that want to support ARC.

“Ever since the storms back in 2005, our funding has really been hit hard,” explained Barry Meyer, executive director of The ARC of Baton Rouge. “Plane Pulls have worked in several cities, so we said ‘Why not Baton Rouge?’”

Federal Express
The more than 50-yard long Boeing 727 for the Plane Pull will be provided by Federal Express along with a group of Fed Ex volunteer/employees who will move the plane into position before each team pulls the aircraft 12 feet.

The day’s events will be free and open to the public. The money ARC raises will come from Plane Pull team members who will each be required to make at least a $50 contribution to ARC for the privilege of pulling the plane. Prizes for plane pull contestants make the money they either raise or personally donate worthwhile.

Awards will be given for the fastest team pull, the lightest team to pull and the team with the most spirit. One of the winning teams will receive a top prize of two free tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S., courtesy of Baton Rouge Metro Airport.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the airport to lend its support by utilizing our airfield and the various components of aviation,” stated Anthony Marino, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport’s Director of Aviation. “We are honored to be a part of this wonderful cause and to raise money and awareness for ARC. I am hopeful the corporate community will embrace this event and exceed all expectations. We stand ready to ensure this event is flawless.”

Jambalaya Cook-Off
There will be live music, food, a Jambalaya Cook-Off, and a bevy of exhibits, activities and entertainment.

Whether or not your business, social club or your family decides to help pull the nearly 150,000 pound aircraft, make sure to partake in the festivities which are free! And don’t worry LSU fans, the Tigers aren’t scheduled to play football that weekend.

Don’t miss the chance to walk away with a trophy, t-shirt and bragging rights! Get involved! For more information contact Paige Gagliano at (225) 927-0855 or email her at pgagliano@arcbatonrouge.org.