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Springdale Airport commissioners give informal go-ahead to runway fun run to fund Halloween and car-show events
Summary
Commissioners and airport staff discussed a proposed early-morning 5K on the runway to raise funds for a larger Halloween event and car show; staff will coordinate safety, parking and NOTAMs and return with details next month.
Daniel (Summit representative) outlined a plan to add a fundraising “fun run” on a runway in July to support a larger Halloween event and concurrent car show at Springdale Airport.
The proposal, presented during the Springdale City Airport Commission meeting, would close the runway for roughly 30–60 minutes early on a Saturday morning so runners could use runway/taxiway space. Daniel said the event would charge an entry fee "it's like $20 per person" to cover shirts, porta-potties and event costs, with any surplus folding into donations and event expenses.
Why it matters: airport staff and commissioners said the run could attract new visitors to the airport, generate modest revenue for community events and provide outreach to residents who do not normally visit the airfield. Commissioners stressed safety, coordination with the tower and advance notification to transient pilots.
Discussion details: James (airport operations staff) and commissioners raised operational questions about timing, transient traffic, and parking. Commissioners noted Saturday morning traffic varies seasonally and suggested a minimum closure window of about an hour to avoid crowding and to allow orderly dispersal of participants. James said organizers should issue a NOTAM and coordinate closely with tower operations to manage inbound traffic.
Parking and logistics: organizers told the commission they expect about 100 runners and 100–120 cars for the car show. Potential parking solutions discussed included shuttle service from the Jones Center or use of space between hangars 8–10; Jones Elementary was suggested as a Saturday shuttle lot if the school can be made available. Organizers plan to rope off event areas and could use a taxiway instead of the primary runway if needed.
Safety and approvals: commissioners repeatedly emphasized that any runway closure requires tower engagement and an advance NOTAM. Commissioners said they saw no major safety objections so long as tower staffing and notifications are handled; they flagged medical-emergency contingencies as a reason to avoid lengthy airspace delays. Staff will also check whether transient tenants normally operate at the proposed hour and will contact hangar tenants who might be affected.
Next steps and direction: commissioners informally gave the organizers permission to develop a detailed plan and return with specifics next month. The airport staff was asked to draft logistics including an estimate of expected operational impacts, a NOTAM timeline, shuttle/parking plans and a clear budget for the $20 entry fee and related expenses.
Quotations from the meeting: James introduced the new airport manager and attendees by saying, "We have a new airport manager, Austin Varsity. He's worked with the city now for quite a few years." Daniel framed the event finances in these terms: "It's like $20 per person" to cover shirts and event needs.
Taper: Organizers said they hoped to finalize arrangements and shirt orders within weeks so the July run could seed funds for a larger Halloween event in the fall. No formal vote was taken; commissioners requested an operating plan and will revisit the item at the next meeting.
