There is an area in Georgia known as Bear Creek, and from nearly the beginning, it was the home of IAC Chapter 3. It was there the annual contest was held, beginning in the early 1970’s, when IAC was formed. One of the first Pitts aircraft dealers, Tom Collier, had his sales office right on the field. IAC3 member, Greer Paramore, also with the Atlanta FSDO, was an early member of The Bear Creek Bunch and a USA Team member. Following in the same footsteps was Tom Collier, Robert Armstrong, and later Mark Nowosielski.  Bob Abernathy, Tom Collier, and many other talented pilots kept The Bear Creek Bunch an active and competitive chapter for decades to come. Activities such as practice critiques, facilitated by members like Paul Logue, Steve Haslup, Nathan Metzger, Rick Porter, and many more have recruited many pilots to become active members and long-term participant competitors.

In the 1980’s-1990’s, Clayton County took over the operation of the airport and developed a marketing campaign to change the airport name to “Tara Field”, likely a feeble attempt to gain notoriety from a few remaining “Gone With the Wind” fans! IAC 3 soon realized that conducting a contest at a location where there was no hanger space or cooperation from the local operating authority, was not sustainable, and a search for a new permanent home began.  

In 2012, one of our members from Rome, GA, Ken Lumpkin, worked to have a practice box approved at KRMG. Once approved, IAC3 leadership approached the Airport Authority and FBO Manager about hosting a contest in Rome - they enthusiastically agreed to help! The local aviation tech repair school was approached by IAC 3 member, Mark Fullerton, and after some arm twisting, the school offered hangar space which sealed the deal. A new home was found!

Howard Lowden, a prominent Roman and fellow pilot, along with others on the Rome Airport Commission, welcomed IAC 3 with an enthusiastic support! KRMG, officially named Towers Field at Richard B. Russell Airport, is named after a Rome native son and local hero, Admiral John Towers – the Father of Naval Aviation. Initially, IAC3 honored Admiral Towers by proudly displaying his name on our contest shirts and trophies.

In 2018, we lost Mark Fullerton, a beloved IAC3 member, to an unforeseen health emergency. In honor of his life and contributions to our chapter and overall sport of competition aerobatics, IAC3 voted to rename our yearly contest to The Mark Fullerton Memorial Bear Creek Bash. Each year the May contest grows and evolves to become one of the most popular contests on the IAC calendar. The IAC3 membership ranks boasts multiple world level pilots who are always willing to share their knowledge to help the next wave enthusiastic aerobatic pilots grow in skillset and love for our sport.