Battle Lake's 'Tribute To Gerry Beck' Returns

The first Saturday in September the community of Battle Lake will welcome the return of an popular aviation event that will honor two special people.

Pat Kostelecky, a driving force behind the Battle Lake Area Community Fund (BLACF) and the "Annual Tribute to Gerry Beck - Gathering of Airplanes," died unexpectedly in November 2019.

"We are going forward," said Kathy Deal, a good friend of Kostelecky's and BLACF member. "This year will feature a tribute to Pat, and the annual tribute to Gerry. We need to do something for her, because she provided the heart and soul of this event."

Two years ago, 81 planes visited Battle Lake, Deal said. "We had absolutely perfect weather. We always plan for the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. This event began when Gerry Beck was still alive. He loved the Battle Lake Airport."

There is no official airshow, Deal explained. "We're just a grass strip, and we have all of these general aviation people fly in. As a tribute to Gerry Beck, we have all of the other planes fly in."

And, there's no admission charge, Deal added. "We do hand out a flyer that reminds attendees to talk to the pilots and ask questions, but please don't touch the aircraft."

When Beck created the event, it was a way to publicize the airport, and support the Battle Lake Area Community Fund, Deal said. "We also have a raffle, which is our main fundraiser. We sell tickets and people also provide donations." Deal said the dollars raised during the Tribute To Gerry Beck - 15th Memorial Gathering of Airplanes will go back into the community in the form of grants.

"We have a cool Civil War museum in town," Deal said. "We've provided funding for that, the school, Girl Scouts, and other organizations. We raise $3,000 to $4,000." The Battle Lake Fire Department also provides support during the event.

"When Gerry was killed in 2007 at Oshkosh, thoughts immediately turned to making this a tribute event," Deal said. "Airplanes that appear are in direct proportion to the respect that Gerry and his wife, Cindy, have in the aviation community."

Organizers use 10 a.m. as a start time, but every year, the exact start time depends on the weather, Deal said. The addition of Tom Lymburn as official event announcer few years ago has remained an important addition that helps event organizers, Deal added. "His knowledge is impressive, and his voice talent adds a whole different class factor to what we are doing," she said. "We are lucky to have him."

The Tribute To Gerry Beck - 15th Memorial Gathering of Airplanes, is set for Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Battle Lake Municipal Airport (00MN). Vintage and modern aircraft will appear and lunch is available.