Last Minute Push Helps Milan Pull Off Helicopter Egg Drop

Cold, windy weather and muddy ground did not stop families from turning out Saturday morning, April 4, at Darana Dragway – Milan (formerly Milan Dragway) for a helicopter Easter egg drop that organizers said was still coming together late the night before.

Nikki Bush said the idea started earlier in the week when she asked manager John Kramer to text owner Darryl Cuttel about using his helicopter for the event.

“I wanted a free event,” Bush said, “for our community.”

Bush said planning moved quickly after that. She said she, and fellow employees Denise and Sarah, spent days taping about 3,500 eggs so they could be dropped from the helicopter.

Organizers also prepared a backup plan in case the helicopter could not fly due to weather conditions. Earlier Saturday morning, one organizer estimated about 700 eggs would still be dropped from the helicopter in addition to the eggs placed in the fields.

Bush said details were still being finalized late Friday, including a last-minute search for an Easter Bunny. She said she was scrambling around 11 p.m. to find one in time for the event.

Katie Kakes was also on site Saturday morning with breakfast food, coffee and hot chocolate for families in the chilly weather.

By Saturday morning, families were lined up with baskets as the helicopter made its pass over the property. Organizers set aside sections by age group to help manage the egg hunt for younger children.

Milan Dragway, now operating as Darana Dragway – Milan, is under the International Hot Rod Association’s ownership and is undergoing major improvements.

The dragway is located at 10860 Plank Road in Milan.