From Elisabeth Gardner
Special to the Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Paul Gardner, Ms. E. Bunny and Claudia Rigsby, PAHS Director.
Paul and Elisabeth Gardner own Cloud 9 Aviation and manage the Prattville Airport. In trying to garner the public’s interest in aviation, they host different events throughout the year to shine a light on the airport. Every December, they fly Santa and Mrs. Claus in to have snacks and take pictures with children. For one weekend in October, they transition to a haunted airport, complete with a plane load of zombies disembarking to join the fun. A different local charity is chosen as the recipient of these events, and all donations go to that non-profit.
This past weekend, they flew the Easter Bunny (Elisabeth) in for a Luau with the children. The recipient for the Spring Luau was the Prattville-Autauga Humane Society. The airport was decorated in a Hawaiian theme and every child received a lei and a beach ball. Snacks, drinks, candy, outdoor games, and adoptable puppies rounded out the festivities.
The Easter Bunny was flown in on a Piper Lance by local pilot Stuart Memory of Hole in the Clouds Rentals, LLC. Once inside, she was seated in front of a beautiful backdrop created by Kreation Junkies serving the River Region. Every child was photographed by Chrietzberg Photography of Wetumpka and given a 4 x 6 print to commemorate the occasion.
Many thanks to Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie for stopping by to lend support and get a picture with Ms. E. Bunny. Special thanks to Councilman Marcus Jackson for helping with publicity, and much appreciation to everyone that came to the luau and donated cash and supplies. $500 was raised for PAHS.
Our next event will be this summer when we will sell tickets to take children/families for flights around the airport. The charity will be Autauga Children’s Policy Council. Follow Cloud 9 Aviation, LLC at the Prattville Airport on Facebook for dates and times.
