Continuous Activity

Poland - Airshow Long On Polish Food, Short On Airplanes

Warsaw, Poland - 8 June, 2008 The Saturday opening of the annual Goraszka, Poland airshow saw large crowds, enjoying a variety of Polish foods and keeping their children occupied on rides and at toy stands, occasionally provided an interesting arial display.

Reversing the tradition, the number of attractive aircraft at the show was remarkably small. Unlike in earlier years, there were very few armed forces displays. There were more antique cars on the field than antique aircraft.

And there was good security.

The touted "continuous air shows" were dominated by uninteresting civilian aircraft and 10 minute rides costing 70 zloty per person with no discount for the young or old.

And the long lines at food counters and toilets were gone - along with the french fries.

The food stands were well done. Polish grills were strategically dotted around the visitors area.

Contrary to the Polish norm, there were no lines forming at the food booths to pay a cashier. All the people behind the counters took cash. There were even places to sit down - and in some shade!

One visitor commented, "There are either less people or this is better organized."

Another said, "I am glad they did not bring the french fries. Last year I had to stand 20 minutes just to get french fries. And then another 20 minutes to get kielbasa."

A third lamented that his family had brought sandwiches because he did not want to wait in the lines. And there were no lines.

The people did not seem to mind the low level of overhead activity. They kept busy at the exhibitor booths, food booths, and rides. There were smiles everywhere.

Point in fact, it may have been the best organized and, for some, the most enjoyable airshow in years.

One could eat, find a toilet quickly, keep the kids distracted and occasionally see some interesting activity in the air.