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INTERVIEW BY Tracy Walsh

This Month Wichita

From cutting-edge aircraft to quaint horse-and-buggies, you can find it all in Wichita. AirTran Airways pilot, Tom Mahoney, waxes poetic about his bustling Midwestern hometown.

What makes Wichita unique?

Today, Wichita is known as the air capital of the world. We boast four or five major aircraft manufacturers—Beechcraft, Cessna, Learjet and Boeing all come to mind. Wichita is also the largest city in Kansas—not to be confused with Kansas City, which is mostly in Missouri!

What is Wichita’s greatest hidden gem?

There are several, but my personal favorite is the annual Wichita River Festival in May. There are all sorts of attractions—jazz musicians, fl ea markets, art exhibits, fireworks—and every day for nine days we have a parade. We draw quite a crowd. Well over 300,000 people last year came from more than 40 different states and 30 countries. It’s probably the largest single event in Wichita, and we’re on our thirty-fifth year running.

Where would you take the kids?

Three must-sees come to mind. First, the Sedgwick County Zoo is a large, progressive zoo to the northwest side of town. It’s as up-to-date and as modern as zoos get. Also, I really like the Old Cowtown Museum. It’s set in restored buildings dating back to late 19th century. You can see a restored industrial area, view a working farm, and interact with people in period clothing. It’s living history. For something more modern, maybe a little space-age, you can visit Exploration Center in the downtown River District. It has fascinating science exhibits and screens films on a giant IMAX screen.

Wichita boasts more than 1,000 restaurants. Which is your favorite?

My favorite Wichita restaurant isn’t actually in Wichita. If you travel a bit down the road on Highway 96, you come across a little Amish community called Yoder. Here you’ll find the Carriage Crossing, where you can order the most mouthwatering comfort food— chicken, mashed potatoes and pies, all cooked in the old-fashioned Amish style. If you’re in the mood for a good, hearty meal, this is the place to go. Just watch out for horses and buggies on the road!

Where should a visitor go to soak up Wichita nightlife?

Without a doubt, it’s Old Town, the area to the east of modern downtown Wichita. There’s an old-fashioned ambiance and lots of clubs, so you can drink and dance all night long. My 22-year-old son loves the America’s Pub, and next time I’m in Wichita I plan to go down to Mort’s Cigar Bar. There’s nothing I enjoy more than puffing away on a big fat cigar.

What if you’re interested in the outdoors and athletics?

Wichita State University has an excellent basketball team, and if you’re looking for an afternoon at the ballpark, we have Double-A baseball team, the Wichita Wranglers. For a fun day out, go to the All Star Sports Entertainment center, which offers laser tag, bumper boats, stock cars, rock climbing, batting cages and even golf ranges. It’s a great destination for kids of all ages and adults, too—you’ll be worn out by the end of the day!

What advice would you give to a friend who has never visited the city?

Before you even step foot in the city, visit the Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors’ Bureau website (www.visitwichita.com) to line up a schedule ahead of time. And if you’re fl ying in, you should rent a car. This city is very easy to drive around, and an automobile gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding communities.

Sum up Wichita a few words.

Wichita is the place to live in the Midwest—we’re growing, we’re progressive, and we’re the air capital of the world.

For current career opportunities at AirTran Airways, visit www.airtranjobs.com

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