Capitol and Maryland Hang Gliding Associations To Hold Hang Gliding Festival In McConnellsburg, Benefiting Local Rescue Squad  
 

From:	Capitol Hang Glider Association (CHGA)
Contact:	Mark Cavanaugh 301-435-5973 (day) 301-770-4380 (evening) cavanaug@lagrange.nlm.nih.gov (email)

 

The Capitol Hang Glider Association (Washington DC and vicinity) and the Maryland Hang Gliding Association will hold their Sixth Annual Hang Gliding Festival in McConnellsburg Pennsylvania on September 19th and 20th, 1998.

Headquarters for the Festival is at the launch site known as The Pulpit. Take Route 30 eastbound from McConnellsburg and proceed to the top of the ridge on the east side of town. Make a right onto the dirt road just past the Mountain House Bar and Grill. Complete directions are available at:

    http://www.mhga.com/HGFest/hgfest.directions.pulpit.html

Excellent flying conditions and various tests of flying-skills attract 50 or more pilots to this annual event. Dramatic photo opportunities will abound, as pilots launch from the recently completed new launch ramp, and then fill the sky with a multi-colored display of gliders.

Most of the proceeds from the Festival are donated to the local rescue squad in McConnellsburg. Mark Cavanaugh, CHGA Flight Director and Director for the Festival, is enthusiastic about this aspect of the event:

   "All of us would like to give something back to
   the community, in return for the wonderful flight
   experiences and hospitality we enjoy in
   McConnellsburg. Our immediate goal is to at least
   equal last year's donation of $500, and we hope
   to eventually increase this to $1000 with a
   donation-matching program that will start in 1999."

The highlight of the Festival is a flight competition in which pilots attempt to garner points by reaching specified goals and then flying as far as possible along the ridge or over the valleys to the east. 30 to 50 mile flights from The Pulpit are not unusual.  
 

The Capitol Hang Glider Association, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1974 and has over 100 members. The association is dedicated to the growth, solidarity, and safety of the sport of hang gliding.

Thank you for your time and consideration.  

Contact:	Mark Cavanaugh 301-435-5973 (day) 301-770-4380 (evening)
Email:	cavanaug@lagrange.nlm.nih.gov
Organization:	The Capitol Hang Glider Association 15914B Shady Grove Road # L-197 Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1315
Website:	http://www.mhga.com