Thunder Over the Prairie, planned in 2004 as an annual event, barely got off the ground once. The air show took place at the Coeur d’Alene Airport over two days in June of that year, and for those who attended, it delivered what it promised: rumbling flybys and aerobatics with planes, helicopters, jets and military vehicles on display throughtout the airport grounds.

But financially, it flopped, failing to deliver the audience attendance needed to come close to breaking even.

The two-day event cost $350,000 to put on and recouped just $170,000 through ticket sales and sponsorships, said the chamber’s attorney at the time, Freeman Duncan, at a meeting held a month after the air show. Several creditors forgave some of the debts and eventually, the shortfall was whittled down to $130,000. Through the years, the chamber worked with other creditors to reach settlements and pay off remaining balances. Full story. Maureen Dolan/Cda Press

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