Texas hospitality

First day in Texas was nice. We had a bit of time in our hands in the morning, so we went to the close by Walmart. Bought some sunscreen and stuff like that, usefull things, no spending ;)

Then we were taken to the airport for judges briefing, pilot briefing and opening ceremonies... Also registered for the contest, and received a nice back bags with full of stuff. A polo shirts, brochures, some small gifts like key ring, stickers, pens, cooler for cans and some candy. The best thing was, there was also a small bottle of sun screen there, which is very useful. 

The hangar for the planes. Behind there, you can also find the contest office for registration.

Briefing hangar. Spanky announces here about some of the upcoming events... 

 People in the briefing...
  

The airport is HUGE. I mean you can fit the whole box IN the airfield. 

The opening ceremonies and the parade of nations

Local marching band

and some entertainment. The Skydivers brought down the flags of FAI, Texas and the States, the US flag was last and was brought down with the national anthem.

Some of the evening entertainment included few pretty birds... 

The commemorative Air Force, Arizona wing, B17

and B25 

P-51 flew a nice small show

and I just had to take some sunset photos...

The closing dinner was nice. We were seated in a hangar with Texas rangers private jet (Cessna Citation) and some really nice cars. They gave us colorful cowboy hats and we had a nice and tasty dinner with salads, some meat and sweet dessert.

The second day of the contest started out windy and in the afternoon, we finaly got to do first contest flights, and now there are 17 done. I was very happy to see one brave guy flying a Pitts S1 in the unlimited contest and I must say, he did well! (at least I think it was a he, could have been a she too, I haven't checked). Anyway, after the flights were done, it was time to head to the hotel, do a quick refreshing and then we went to a "Library bar and grill" where we had an amazing dinner sponsored by some individuals. The rib eye steak I had was the best I have ever tasted, and I made it a bit over half way, it was the size of the plate. Along with it was served some fresh salad, baked potatoe and the Key lime pie-kind of thing as a dessert was to die for!

So yes, the Texans really know the hospitality part nicely!