Excitement filled the air at the Safford Regional Airport on Saturday as the airport bursted with a plethora of events.

In lieu of the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center Foundation's annual fund-raising dinner and auction, the group decided to host a Health Raisers event.

Months of preparation paid off as the foundation brought together an aircraft display, a classic car show, a motorcycle display, Gila Valley's first half-marathon, a 30-mile bicycle race and a 2-mile fun walk. In addition to the events, there was also live music from a center stage on the taxiway and plenty of food vendors.

Pilot Bob Deford of Coolidge pauses in front of his Spitfire airplane he built in 2003. Deford’s plane was one of many in attendance. Photo by Jon Johnson

A highlight of the event was when a Czech Republic Aero L-39ZA Albatros ground attack fighter jet performed a flyover while climbing at four times the force of gravity. Its owner and pilot, Arnie Evdokimo, then landed and let the crowd view his jet inside and out. Evdokimo told the crowd it took him about 17 minutes to fly the jet from Chandler but will cost him about $1,000 in fuel for the round trip.

The foundation's president, Marland (Honk) Norton, told the Courier he believed the event raised about $30,000 toward the cost of diagnostic equipment for colon cancer screening. He said the total cost of the equipment is about $194,000.

"We have some money we have raised, and we're hoping, with this and other fund-raisers, to be able to have the equipment and operating by the end of 2010," Norton said.

Norton said he was pleased with the large turnout of spectators and participants and thanked the city of Safford and Graham County for their support. Participation included 42 runners, 36 bicyclists, 48 car show entries and numerous motorcycles and airplanes.

The foundation's vice president, Becky Johnson, said the foundation plans to hold the event next year as well and might increase the bike race to 70 miles.

Anyone who paid admission received a ballot in which to vote on any of the displays. Prizes were given to those who collected the most votes. The winners are:

Bicycle race:

Bruce Brown won the men's division with a time of 1:37:37 and Deedee Marin won the women’s division with a time of 2:01:50.

Half marathon:

Gary Giauque won the men's division with a time of 1:31:08, and Natalie Waite won the women’s division with a time of 1:50:09.

Classic Car Show:

People's Choice Car - Steve McDowell; 1962 Chevy II

People's Choice Truck - Danny Traylor; 1946 Chevy 1/2-ton pickup

People's Choice Low-rider - Frank Perea; 1949 Mercury 2-door coupe

Most Unusual - John Loos, 1930 Willys

Great Paint Job - Hoss Wimberly, 1964 Ford Falcon

Motorcycle Show:

People's Choice - Ken Malloque, 2009 Chopper

Best Paint Job - Ken Malloque, 2009 Chopper

Rat Bike - Stan Medford

Cruiser - Mark Valleso

Old School - Alton Eady

Airplane Show:

People's Choice - Doug Benson, 1942 North American T6-G

Best Military - Doug Benson, 1942 North American T6-G

Best Vintage - Doug Benson, 1942 North American T6-G

Most Unusual - Doug Benson, 1942 North American T6-G

Costume Walk:

First across was Corinne Bryce, and Best Costume went to Gabriella Larson.