Compliments from a local legend...

We are very honoured to share with you a letter we received from a very talented man, James "Cotton" Hodges, who has been friends with our President, John Fazzini, for many years.

In 1972, Cotton was on the USA Aerobatic Team that competed in France and won every single men and women competition. This is the only time that this has happened in the history of the International competition. The letter from he and his wife is below:

"Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Lake Wales Chamber about Cotton's aerobatics over your own city.

Cotton thinks you have the most outstanding and well planned fly-in community he has ever seen (me too).

Let us hear how things go."

-Cotton and Betty Jane Hodges


The letter they enclosed just briefly touches on the outstanding career of Cotton, who has been recognized for his talent all over.

Letter from Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, dated November 17, 1978

"Dear Cotton,

I had no idea who the flyer was, involved in the most intricate maneuvers I have ever seen during the last ten years. You were superb! Much thanks go to my very dear friend, Phil Welsh who passed on this information [to me]. Your flying aerobatics reminded me of the RED BARON, EDDIE RICKENBACKER, GUYNOT and others of equal fame. We hope, very much, that you will consider coming back to Lake Wales to be a part of this annual event. Phil and I would love to work with you along this aerobatic projection.

Cotton, I wish there was some way to repay you for your time and excellent display of a long-lost art. As of now, on behalf of the Greater Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce...our..."SINCEREST THANKS"

Look forward to working with you next year!"

-Carl F. Durso
Executive Vice President