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Arts & Entertainment

HeliFest!

A new name, new look and new feel for Vertical Challenge!

After eleven years, the Vertical Challenge Helicopter Air Show is getting a makeover. This June 18 & 19, 2011, marks the debut of HeliFest at the Hiller Aviation Museum. Instead of a single, one-day event, HeliFest gathers several festivals into a two-day, super fun weekend. HeliFest is not an air show but in keeping with the original theme of Vertical Challenge, HeliFest showcases military and commercial helicopters on display and open to the public for two, full days. HeliFest also features fabulous food, wine and the Bay Area's finest microbrews. And returning this year is the popular Kid's Zone that includes slides, rides, face-painting and fun activities that kids love.

Why these changes? Increasingly strict federal regulations regarding air shows combined with the economic challenges faced by commercial and government helicopter operators, at both the local and state level, have made it necessary to modify Vertical Challenge. Also, with new event partners, food-providers, brewers and other participants, the opportunity exists for creating a unique event never seen before on the San Francisco Peninsula: The result is HeliFest!

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