This article by Matthew Hillard was first published in The Wimmera Mail-Times on 31st of January 2007.
HORSHAM gliding enthusiasts will celebrate a milestone at the weekend when the city hosts its 40th gliding week.
Horsham Week began at Horsham Aerodrome in 1968 and every year since, gliders from across the country have taken to Wimmera skies for a week of aeronautical action.
This year's Horsham Week begins on Saturday and Horsham Flying Club committee member Max Hedt said early weather forecasts pointed to a good week of flying for more than 40 competitors.
Mr Hedt said gliding enthusiasts from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and from across Victoria could be in the Wimmera for the long- standing event.
"It's not a bad record as far as longevity goes, as far as competitions around the world," Mr Hedt said, who was there for the first event in the late 1960s.
"And we've had a pretty good safety record."
The planes, split into four classes, will fly over places as far apart as the Grampians, St Arnaud, Ouyen, Yanac and Horsham.
Mr Hedt said the aircraft ranged in value from $20,000 up to $200,000.
"It's a really challenging sport for anyone who likes using their mind," he said.