Alton Bay Fly-in

[Kings Bluff]

Does anyone have any news on the annual Alton Bay Fly-in/Winter Festival?

[SIKSUKR]

Bring pontoons just in case.

[upthesaukee]

The town approved the Alton Business Assoc. request for the winter carnival on Feb. 19.

Problem will be the ability to plow the runway. I can tell you there is not enough ice for the guys to get out there now. Hopefully, ice will continue to thicken under this new snow, and people will stay off the runway area whether plowed or not until it is thick enough to plow.

Time will tell.

[vtpilot]

Any updates on the runway status? Excited to fly down from Vermont after the bad winter last year

[riverat]

Ice is gaining, about 8" near gazebo and 6" at sandy point. very thin beyond sandy point and also thin (3-4") where the airport parking area is. Smooth surface so far with the exception of fishing holes here and there, but runway is somewhat marked and staked out. if weather cooperates we should be fine by time the fly-in gets here. Stop in to riverats shanty for a hot coffee

[mcdude]

Keep track of what's going on with these Alton Bay Webcams

http://www.spencerhughes.com/altoncam/?justshowme=true

and

http://downingslanding.com/

[vtpilot]

my computer never lets me view the spencer hughes one but thank you for the downings landing cam

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by vtpilot

my computer never lets me view the spencer hughes one but thank you for the downings landing cam

Funny, but I have the opposite problem. I can view the Spencer Hughes cam but not the Downings Landing one.

[Phantom]

Just a thought --

As I was looking at the Spencer Cam just now and noticed snowmobile tracks layed down in what appears to be slush.

Has anyone considered "orange coning" off the general area of the landing strip to preserve the area ?

Maybe there are other tricks used that I am not aware of 9or can't see from the cam view)

[upthesaukee]

...even with the runway open, plowed, taxiways and parking areas in place, we still have those who feel they are entitled and will run up and down the runway after snow and rain, leaving those indelible tracks.

There are some signs out, including one over by the gazebo along with cones defining the runway area. Of course, about a thousand feet out the runway, there is a tent type bobhouse sitting in what looks to be right on the runway.

[mcdude]

Good News!
this obviously doesn't apply to the fly-in....

Winter Carnival set for Feb. 19

ALTON — Mark your calendars
for Sunday,Feb. 19, for
the Alton Winter Carnival.
The Alton Business Association
Chair Paul LaRochelle
states, “the ABA is in high
gear organizing this year’s
carnival.”
“This year’s carnival will
happen,” states Carnival
Chairperson Steve Bell. Bell
acknowledges the disappointment
with not having
the carnival last year due to
poor ice condition, as safety
comes first. This year Bell
states there is a “plan B,”
thanks to the town giving approval
of using the town’s
parking lot in the Bay for the
event if it cannot be on the
ice.
Tradition holds this event
as a fun-filled family day
with great food, family
games, Ice Princess, crazy
hat contest and rides. More
information will be forthcoming
and check out the flyers

available in local businesses

[ghfromaltonbay]

I'm hoping that there will be some Forum Fest members attending this year's Winter Carnival. Maybe we can plan a mini Forum Fest for those who will be in the area. Will be travelling up from NJ on Friday and staying thru the weekend. Any one else planning on being there, please PM me and maybe we can meet.

[riverat]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

I'm hoping that there will be some Forum Fest members attending this year's Winter Carnival. Maybe we can plan a mini Forum Fest for those who will be in the area. Will be travelling up from NJ on Friday and staying thru the weekend. Any one else planning on being there, please PM me and maybe we can meet.

Well i'll be there for sure, as always first bobhouse on the right, after the entrance to the airport. Tan with table and flying the Red, White and Blue. Stop in for a chat and a cup of hot beverage.

[RLW]

Guess the first plane has landed today. Great to see things have started towards a nice winter carnival happening.

[barefootbay]

What a picture perfect winter day for it !!!!!!!!

[RLW]

Originally Posted by RLW

Guess the first plane has landed today. Great to see things have started towards a nice winter carnival happening.

I'm sorry for not mentioning that the person standing beside the plane is a friend and not the pilot of the plane. My apologies to the real pilot.

[riverat]

and also that great looking bobhouse behind the plane is mine!
Runway is officially open and marked off. 12" of ice and growing.

[ackbard]

Lake Waukewan was plenty thick this past weekend. Hopefully Alton will be the same later this month for all who are attending the fly-in..

[riverat]

nice picture!

[mcdude]

Alton Bay Winter Carnival

Alton gearing up for Winter Carnival Feb. 19
ALTON — Punxsutawney Phil declared six more weeks of winter, setting the stage
for winter carnival in Alton Sunday, Feb. 19, at the bay. Alton Business Association
Chair Paul LaRochelle and Winter Carnival Committee Chair Steve Bell state current
ice conditions are favorable for the carnival to be on the ice. Should ice conditions
deteriorate in the next week, Bell is ready to execute Plan B, which is utilizing the
town's parking lot down at the Bay. Bell and his committee are in the final stages of
preparations. Bell states next week's Baysider will have a complete schedule of events and flyers are located in local businesses and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with a breakfast at the community center.The bobhouse
decorating contest is open from 8 a.m. to noon, with the winner being announced at 12:45 p.m. (VOTE for RIVER RAT!!!) Enjoy a fun filled family day with entertainment at the bandstand with the DJ, visit with the Ice Princess, (portrayed by Argie's Wife?) create your crazy hat for the crazy hat contest, enter the scavenger hunt at 1:30 p.m., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids young and old can
make caricatures, enter all the games, enter the kids’ fishing derby, watch the Alton
K9 demonstration, enjoy sleigh rides or for those more daring, helicopter rides. At
2:45 p.m., line up and watch the traditional bed race parade with the race taking
place at 3 p.m., ice conditions permitting. Throughout the day enjoy free hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, fries, sausage with onions and peppers, coffee, hot chocolate, soda and water. Bell and LaRochelle take this opportunity to thank the ABA members for their support as well as local businesses and organizations who have supported this event.Thank you to the town of Alton representatives, Alton
Police Department and Fire Department and most importantly the residents of
the community. The ABA invites everyone to come out and enjoy community spirit
with family, friends and neighbors.

[QUOTE]

Great Alton Bay Bed Race returns Feb. 19

ALTON — Meredith Village Savings Bank and the Alton Parks and Recreation
Department are sponsoring the exciting Great Alton Bay Bed Race during the annual
Winter Carnival on Sunday, Feb. 19. Get outside and join in the fun. Great prizes will be awarded. The bed race is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. near the Alton Bay ice bandstand on Lake Winnipesaukee. In the event of poor ice conditions, the race will not be held. To participate in the bed race, participants create a bed, put skis on the bottom and a push bar across the head and foot of the bed. A five-person team, four people pushing and one person riding, race the bed from the start to the finish line. Themed beds are always a hit. Cleats or spikes are not permitted and the bed rider is advised to wear a helmet. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 15. Call 875-0109 or e-mail parksrec@alton. nh.gov to sign up. The Great Alton Bay Bed Race is a great tradition for any family or organization to participate in, either by entering a bed or by watching this exciting race. For more information contact the Alton Parks and Recreation Department at 875-0109. Alton Bay Winter Carnival Join in the fun at the annual Winter Carnival scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19, in
Alton Bay. Please note the public boat ramp access to the lake/ice will be closed to motorized traffic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., please find an alternate route.

[Slickcraft]

Yes nice photo of the plane ackbard. However I am just wondering if you are hedging you bet as to ice thickness. Those items above the wheels look a lot like pontoons.

[Jonas Pilot]

I drove to the other side of the lake today. There were dozens of bob houses in Alton Bay along with about a dozen vehicles and two airplanes. I talked to a couple of anglers. Both said the minimum ice thickness was 10" and most measured a foot thick and was "good ice". With that being said I also saw open water along a lot of the shoreline.

[ackbard]

Is the Fly-In on Feb 18th or 19th? I have seen conflicting details.

[OleSmokey]

Scheduled for Feb 19th but does anybody know if it is still on or has been cancelled/postponed? Appreciate the update before I make the drive-

[bclaker]

Originally Posted by OleSmokey

Scheduled for Feb 19th but does anybody know if it is still on or has been cancelled/postponed? Appreciate the update before I make the drive-

From a previous entry: This year Bell
states there is a “plan B,”
thanks to the town giving approval
of using the town’s
parking lot in the Bay for the
event if it cannot be on the
ice.
This should make things interesting!!

[EdLincoln]

So...are they landing plains on the ice today? Is the ice airport open?

[mcdude]

I'm looking at the Spencer-Hughes Webcam (see link above) and see eight planes parked on the ice. Chances are planes will be landing on both days.

[Merrymeeting]

We drove through the bay about an hour ago. There were 12 planes parked on the ice and a 13th landed while we were there. I didn't have my camera with me to take pictures but will probably do so tomorrow.

[RLW]

I sure hope that this is a great sign for tomorrows 2012 Winter Carnival

[riverat]

According to Altons updated Park & Rec site the carnival will be held in the parking lot and christian conference center and the ice. helicopter and sleigh rides a the conference center - bobhouse decorating and bed race and fishing derby on the ice - and all other stuff in the parking lot. I will be at the first bobhouse off the ramp, come join me and my friends for a hot beverage and some beef stew.
Roger

[RLW]

Originally Posted by riverat

According to Altons updated Park & Rec site the carnival will be held in the parking lot and christian conference center and the ice. helicopter and sleigh rides a the conference center - bobhouse decorating and bed race and fishing derby on the ice - and all other stuff in the parking lot. I will be at the first bobhouse off the ramp, come join me and my friends for a hot beverage and some beef stew.Roger

Now there is an offer that one shouldn't give up. I stopped in the parking lot during this week and I saw you sitting in front of you bob house and I really wanted to come out and say hi and introduce myself and take you up on the offer of a hot cup of coffee, but a prosthetic leg doesn't go very well with ice. The ole geezer can't to afford to take a spill. Hope you have had some good luck with the fishing.

[upthesaukee]

Need to use extreme care going onto the ice. I haven't ventured out, but have been told that YakTraks are doing much good. Need the ice grippers that are more like nails or studs that go in snow tires.

However you go onto the ice, be careful.

Also, the last plans I heard was that no vehicles would be allowed on the ice during the carnival.

Have fun, and drop by the Masonic Lodge on Rte 28 S just south of the circle for our breakfast buffet from 7-11. Enjoy the day.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Have fun, and drop by the Masonic Lodge on Rte 28 S just south of the circle for our breakfast buffet from 7-11. Enjoy the day.

Our neighborhood group will see you there in the morning, Uppy!

[joelglick]

I represent a large group of pilots that will be coming in tomorrow. We've come in many years in the past and just love participating in the winter carnival. It was a shame that we couldn't join you last year, but we expect to be there en masse tomorrow. Special thanks, as always, to Paul LaRochelle for maintaining the ice runway and being the airport administrator. Please stay clear of the active runway, and if you'd like to come and look at the airplanes, check them out and talk to the pilots. Many parts of the airplane are delicate, so please look, but don't touch. I bet that if the pilot is present and your kid wants a look inside the cockpit, you could ask and they'll probably oblige. I know that I certainly will!

Pilots from 100's of miles away are coming up to participate in this wonderful event and we are all looking forward to it.

Here is the site that is organizing the Northeast Pilot Group arrivals.

http://www.meetup.com/NEPilotsGroup/events/52406562/

[Sal]

Must be about 7 aircraft on the ice, right now (10:45AM). The weather
couldn't be better. The ice seems to be cooperative too.

[RLW]

It sure is a great beginning of a perfect day for the winter carnival starting off with a fantastic breakfast at the Masonic Lodge (Thanks guys). Kids, adults and grand parents all appear to be having fun. The helicopter has set up for giving rides and there are a few planes that appear to be doing there practice landings and takeoffs. There are many kids and parents out doing their ice fishing and a couple of guys going around and drilling the holes for them which is a great gesture. The biggest problem I see is parking as they have taken a good portion of the parking area for vendors and I being handicapped could not find a handicap spot in the whole bay area including the one beside Amilyne's store. We had hoped to stop and see the bed race, but I'm sure one will not be able to park unless you chose to walk a mile. I believe this day surely will give the local businesses the shot in the arm that they need this winter.
Thanks to all that have contributed to putting on this fine fun filled day and the good lord for the perfect weather for it.

[Lakegeezer]

Neat Youtube video of a plane landing on the Alton ice runway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUOfu749mfI

[Slickcraft]

And it was Olympic Zamboni by a full bed length!

Nice to have met you riverat.

[Merrymeeting]

I posted some photos taken this morning.

Does anyone know what they were charging for the helecopter rides? Just curious...

[Jonas Pilot]

Good pics, MM. Thanks for sharing. Were the hover crafts really noisy?

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

Were the hover crafts really noisy?

They were loud, yes. About what you would expect from a very large fan running at top speed. I took a short video with my camera. The wind noise and distance don't allow you to hear the hovercraft. They came in close to the ramp later and parked in a row.

http://youtu.be/YPobxybJapM

[Winni-Retired]

Originally Posted by riverat

According to Altons updated Park & Rec site the carnival will be held in the parking lot and christian conference center and the ice. helicopter and sleigh rides a the conference center - bobhouse decorating and bed race and fishing derby on the ice - and all other stuff in the parking lot. I will be at the first bobhouse off the ramp, come join me and my friends for a hot beverage and some beef stew.
Roger

Nice meeting you today .. you sure looked like you were having fun .. l

[Senter Cove Guy]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

I posted some photos taken this morning.

Does anyone know what they were charging for the helecopter rides? Just curious...

$30 per person. Under 2 was free.

[Brian Neidhardt]

Here is a link to some pics that I took on Sunday. It was a good turnout and beautiful conditions.

http://teamneidhardt.smugmug.com/Air...1553481_6LPVx2

[Just Sold]

It was a great day but a little breezy and cold. Posted a few pictures in the photo gallery. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/index.php

[riverat]

Originally Posted by RLW

Now there is an offer that one shouldn't give up. I stopped in the parking lot during this week and I saw you sitting in front of you bob house and I really wanted to come out and say hi and introduce myself and take you up on the offer of a hot cup of coffee, but a prosthetic leg doesn't go very well with ice. The ole geezer can't to afford to take a spill. Hope you have had some good luck with the fishing.

Hi RLW, We will meet sometime around the lake I.m sure. Maybe the forumFest, fishing has been ok but it is all about the socializing and just being out there for me. I have met quite a few forum Members out on the bay this year and it is always a pleasure to do so. We are so blessed to have such beautiful surroundings at any time of the year.

[riverat]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

And it was Olympic Zamboni by a full bed length!

Nice to have met you riverat.

At is was very nice to meet you Slickcraft, hope to see you again soon. God Bless.

[riverat]

Originally Posted by Winni-Retired

Nice meeting you today .. you sure looked like you were having fun .. l

Hi, I sure was having fun, my favorite day of the whole season! Great people and friends combined with great food and beverages, what's not to like? Weeee, Weeeee! Weeeeeeee!

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by riverat

Hi, I sure was having fun, my favorite day of the whole season! Great people and friends combined with great food and beverages, what's not to like? Weeee, Weeeee! Weeeeeeee!

...Pure...adrenalin!...........................

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by riverat

Hi, I sure was having fun, my favorite day of the whole season! Great people and friends combined with great food and beverages, what's not to like? Weeee, Weeeee! Weeeeeeee!

You tube Video

[RLW]

Originally Posted by riverat

Hi RLW, We will meet sometime around the lake I.m sure. Maybe the forumFest, fishing has been ok but it is all about the socializing and just being out there for me. I have met quite a few forum Members out on the bay this year and it is always a pleasure to do so. We are so blessed to have such beautiful surroundings at any time of the year.

Amen to that

[FlyingRobs]

Hi everyone! I'm a central PA pilot and have been watching this forum off and on for a while. I decided to make a name and post for the first time in honor of the excitement around this year's fly-in considering that finally... FINALLY... after 4 years of trying, scheduling, and being foiled by weather and work, I made it to the ice runway. It was not, unfortunately, for the winter carnival, but we did get to see the setup well underway and we got to enjoy lunch on Saturday the 18th.

We had a low-visibility three hour flight from Pennsylvania, but upon arriving in New England the clouds and weather practically melted away, and the lake was just as beautiful and intoxicating as I had imagined it. Landing on the ice was the culmination of a dream for me, and while we only got to spend a few hours amongst you, it was a wonderful experience nevertheless. I'm linking a video of our landing and taxi that you will all hopefully enjoy. Ironically, if you watch the video of the Cherokee above in the thread, we were there eating lunch when they were filming that. If you look really closely, you can see our plane parked on the ice in a few shots!

In any case, thanks for the experience. We're considering driving up next year and getting a hotel room so we can actually stay for a few days and not have our arrival and departure times dictated by the flyable weather.

http://youtu.be/yNCzZPee6aU

[RLW]

FlyingRobs, I just noticed that you are fairly new to the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. Thanks so much for your wonderful input to our ice runway and what the community tries to do to make it a place for lots of fun. I/we (community) hope that you can enjoy all the great festivities next year. Again, thanks so much for your input and taking the time to do it.
RLW

[Brian Neidhardt]

Video from the Alton Bay Fly-In on Feb 19th. Thanks to my friends at Lakes Region Seaplane Services for the help. Make sure to maximize the viewer to see it more easily.

http://smu.gs/znZDMN

[RLW]

Originally Posted by riverat

Hi, I sure was having fun, my favorite day of the whole season! Great people and friends combined with great food and beverages, what's not to like? Weeee, Weeeee! Weeeeeeee!

Did I see right this morning that River-rat has pulled up stakes for the season. Miss seeing the house out on the lake. Thanks for all the good times and conversations along with hot beverages you gave to so many a visitor in Alton Bay

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by RLW

Did I see right this morning that River-rat has pulled up stakes for the season. Miss seeing the house out on the lake. Thanks for all the good times and conversations along with hot beverages you gave to so many a visitor in Alton Bay

His house was not there yesterday afternoon. Probably a good move given the warm weather ahead. It won't be long before the ice at the bottom of the ramp gives out.

[riverat]

I yanked my winter home off the bay yesterday due to sketchy ice at the ramp. It will nt be long with the days and nights we're having, you will not be able to get on or off there.
Meanwhile, I will be fishing in back bay starting this afternoon.
It was a great pleasure to so many visitors this season as short as it was and I'm looking forward to next year, God willing.

[mcdude]

From the Baysider

Winter Carnival meets with success

ALTON — The Alton Parks and Recreation Department 2co-sponsored the
annual Winter Carnival on Sunday, Feb. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Alton Bay. Lake Winnipesaukee was a winter 2wonderland with games, snowmobiles, four wheelers, ice fishing, helicopters, planes and families of all ages. Activities included the Parks and Recreation Department scavenger hunt,
D.J. music and the Great Alton Bay Bed Race. The Alton Business Association sponsored many events including family games, bob house decorating contest, sleigh rides, helicopter rides, Ice Princess, crazy hat contest, music, food tent with refreshments and raffles. It is
estimated that over 1000 people participated in the outdoor carnival.
Scavenger hunt results First place was awarded to the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center; second place to Lisa Nicole and Colby Aaron; third place to Olivia, Mary and George Gubitose. Great prizes including fleece

blankets, Meredith Village Savings Bank travel mugs, frisbees, picture frames and winter sports gear were awarded to the participants.
Great Alton Bay Bed Race results Five teams participated in the Great Alton Bay Bed Race, sponsored by Alton Parks and Recreation and
Meredith Village Savings Bank. Beds were creative and included unique construction, decorations and themes, with honorable mentions and crowd favorites going to the School Street Sleepers with an Elvis theme; the Sunset Lake Snoozers, who wore bathrobes; Hawaii Five-O; and the ABCCC. The fastest bed and first place winner was team “Miracle on Ice- Zamboni” with members Paul Gallegher, Paul Marchese. James Marchese, Timmi Machese and Dan Marchese. The team was awarded a $100 cash prize donated by Meredith Village Savings Bank. Each registered team received a participation prize, a Meredith Village Savings Bank travel mug, one for each racer. The Town of Alton would like to thank the Alton Business Association (ABA), the ABA Winter Carnival Committee, the Alton Centennial Rotary Club, the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center,
Alton Bay Ice Airport staff and the Meredith Village Savings Bank for their
support and efforts to make the Winter Carnival a success. The 2013 Winter Carnival i scheduled for Feb. 17, 2013, weather permitting. For
more information on this event, contact the Alton Parks and Recreation Department at 875-0109

[sum-r breeze]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

It was a great day but a little breezy and cold. Posted a few pictures in the photo gallery. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/index.php

We and another couple went to the winter carnival for the first time this year and had a great time! Loved the bed races especially the "Elvie"(plural for Elvis I was told) What a riot they were. I think the high point of the day was the helicopter tour of Alton Bay. Just awesome! We'll put it on our calender for next year as a must do activity.

The Breeze
Wave "cuz I'll be wavin' back

[Kings Bluff]

Thanks to everyone who posted on the Alton Fly-in Forum. We came up from Florida for the week and had a great time at the Winter Carnival and fly-in. This will keep us sane until we can return to the lake this Summer.

As the psychiatrist told Hawk-eye in M*A*S*H
"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advise,
Pull down your pants and slide on the ice."

[RLW]

It appears to me that what was said in a few of the priviest threads about the good time was had at the carnival and the fly-in was all done just at the right time. I'm not sure when this picture was taken Saturday or Sunday but time is getting awful close to get the last 7 that are out there about an 1/2 hour ago off the ice. One can see that the ice has been broken out about 8' out from the bottom of the ramp, but has frozen over and is very jagged ice sticking up. Another words it is not smooth coming onto the ramp.