YOUTH DAY ACTIVITIES SLATED FOR SATURDAY AT CAIRO AIRPORT

CAIRO, Ill. -- A paper airplane contest, a parachute jump exhibition and helicopter rides are among events to be held at the Cairo Regional Airport Youth Day Saturday.

"We'll have a full day of festivities at the airport, designed for youngsters and their families," said Jim Zimmer, manager of the airport, located about three miles from Cairo and a mile west of Interstate 57.

The winner of an airport logo contest will also be announced.

"We conducted a contest among students of four area high schools -- Cairo, Century, Meridian and Egyptian -- to develop a logo," said Zimmer. "We have narrowed the selection to two, and the winner will be announced Saturday about 1 p.m."

On hand during the day will be helicopters from the Illinois Deportment of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police and Air Evac of Cape Girardeau. Also on hand will be IDOT mascots Air Bear and Heli-Hound.

Representatives of the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale aviation program will attend the four-hour activities -- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Remote plane demonstrations, career information, free sodas and popcorn, and other activities will be presented.

Zimmer, who has a bachelor's degree in aviation management and a master's degree in aviation administration from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, joined the Cairo Airport as manager earlier this year.

On schedule at the airport later this summer will be a special Air Meet planned for June 16. It will feature pilots competing in a number of flying events, including spot landing contests and bomb drops.