Having Pull

Any event sounds better if you add "it's all for a good cause." But the Valero/Special Kids & Families Plane Pull doesn't need that reminder. It's people pulling jet airplanes with their bare hands! What more could you ask for?

The plane pull is Saturday, August 25th, 2007 from 9 a.m. to noon. In a battle of men versus machine versus other men versus machine, adult teams of 20 participants will pull a 155,000-pound FedEx 727 a distance of 12 feet in a timed competition against other teams. Younger teammates ages 10 to 17 will pull a 32,000-pound FedEx ATR feeder aircraft a distance of 20 feet. Corporate, military, media, and firefighter teams are among those competing. (My money's on the firefighters.)

Though the extreme sport takes place at the Millington Regional Jetport, don't worry about extreme heat. There'll be water misters, outdoor air conditioning units, tents, and cold beverages on hand for athletes and spectators alike. Also, to keep you cool: live music from the Memphis Sound Band, featuring Woody Degan and Jackie Johnson.

Oh yeah: It's all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit East Memphis' Special Kids & Families, a group that provides early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities. The event is free to spectators, but donations are welcome. Competing teams have chipped in at least $1,200 each. And they're going to pull jet airplanes with their bare hands!

Valero/Special Kids & Families Plane Pull, Saturday, August 25th, 9 a.m. to noon, Millington Regional Jetport, 8181 Hornet Avenue, Millington, TN