Skydivers look to bust a move at Tiki Bar weekend

Skydivers sail to earth after attempting a formation jump at last year's Tiki Bar weekend. (Lebanon Voice file photo)

LEBANON - About 300 skydivers, many world class jumpers, will make their annual trek to Lebanon this weekend as Skydive New England hosts its annual Tiki Bar Boogie.

It’s the skydiving jump site’s biggest bash of the year and State Police, town selectmen and Skydive New England officials have been working the past few weeks to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Skydive New England spokesman Eli Bolotin said today the first and foremost concern for them is to have a safe weekend.

“We’re working with the town of Lebanon and Maine State Police to ensure we’re having an event that meets all safety standards,” Bolotin said today.

Tiki Bar Weekend is a private event, explained Skydive New England owner Fred Cotreau to town selectmen and State Police at a recent meeting held at the Town Offices.

One of the highlights of the weekend for skydive enthusiasts will be a possible record group attempt where skydivers hold hands together as they plunge headfirst toward terra firma before releasing to land separately.

An attempt of some 40 or so was made last year but fell short.

This morning vendors were already at the Skydive New England site off Upper Guinea Road setting up commercial displays for all things skydiving, from parachutes of varying makes and models to a vast array of accessories.

“Some parachutes are super aggressive, because a skydiver wants to go fast, while others go slower,” Bolotin said.

He said while it is a private event, if enthusiasts are contemplating their first jump this weekend, they’re welcome to come out and try this unique, adrenaline-laden sport.

Nighttime festivities during the three-day bash in the past have drawn some controversy as last year’s final Tiki Bar burn down night featured jello wrestling and Lebanon Rescue and Fire departments sparred over how many volunteers were on hand at various times.  

There were also a few reports of public drunkenness, but it was never established whether they were registered skydive visitors or party crashers.

Maine State Police said they were concerned with the number of people who might attend and any obvious intoxication.

Bolotin said registrants would be given wristbands to identify them as being underage or old enough to drink alcohol.

Cotreau told selectmen recently that he hired a private security firm including two uniformed officers to assist with event security. He also said he would have about 50 staff on hand to assist.

Lebanon Assistant Rescue Chief Jason Cole said Rescue volunteers would provide medical coverage during much of the event.

Cole added that Lebanon Fire would be on site for the annual burning of the tiki bar on Sunday night.