ROCHELLE — Despite a couple of rainy days, the largest skydiving championship to hit Rochelle is in full swing.

Becky Johns, CSC Director of Marketing and Chief Strategy Officer said although a couple of the events were cut short due to the weather, the event and the city’s welcome is proving to be a great success.

“It’s been great, we finally have beautiful sunny weather. Everyone is flying safely and having fun,” Johns said. “The sponsors and the hospitality tent are keeping people fed and hydrated and the staff and volunteers are doing great.”

Johns said the visitors and competitors have all given positive feedback, particularly people that have never been to Rochelle before. Many have commented on how welcoming Rochelle has been.

“They’ve mentioned the signage around town welcoming them here. All those things we put in place to impress them, it’s working,” Johns said. “Everybody is feeling good about being here.”

On Monday CSC was action-packed from end to end with jumpers either preparing to compete, packing their parachutes, or falling from the sky. Airplanes had been taking off at a steady pace.

A team from Omaha, Nebraska, was busy preparing their exit strategy from the plane on the ground — what Johns referred to as “dirt-diving.” 

USPA competitor Alex Bucevicius, along with teammate Drew Porter, talked about their events.

“We are in the 4-way and 8-way event today and tomorrow,” Bucevicius said. “The weather is great for it.”

Peggy Friday, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, said the increased traffic has been good for the city.

“The hotels and a number of restaurants have told me their business has increased,” Friday said. “The skydivers were out shopping during the rain last week…they are getting out and about in the city.”

The competition continues until Tuesday, Sept. 18