Heavy rain in the lead up to the planned event forced organisers to make the tough decision to cancel the fly-in at the Leeton airfield. 

However, some pilots decided to still make the trek to Leeton and were able to land at the aerodrome despite the boggy conditions. 

“We were expecting 60 or 70, but with the rain we had and the forecast for more, we had to cancel it,” Leeton Aviators Club president Bob Rankin said. 

“In the end we still had 45 people turn up, which was just fantastic and something we weren’t really expecting. 

“Our airfield actually drains quite well, so they were able to land and take off safely.”

With the air show cancelled, it was the perfect opportunity to show off Leeton shire to the visitors, according to Mr Rankin. 

The group was taken on bus tours of the area, including to some of the shire’s major industries, wineries, McCaughey House at Yanco Agricultural High School and farms. 

“Barry and Gillian Kirkup were fantastic … they led the tours and welcomed us to their farm and explained all of their operations,” Mr Rankin said. 

“The comments from the visitors were really positive. 

“Until they actually get out here and see what Leeton has to offer, they don’t really know too much about what goes on here. 

“They were really impressed and said next time they come back, they’ll be bringing their friends and family with them to stay.

“The other positive is they spent quite a fair bit of money here.

“It’s good for our economy.”