Get ready for airplanes and good times at the Grand Forks Airport as the Airport Appreciation/Fly-in returns on Sunday, Aug. 24.
The fly-in is once again put on by the local Grand Forks Flying Association and is sure to be a big hit for young and old.
The fly-in does happen the same weekend as the Grand Forks Fall Fair. Ann Gordon, president of the flying association, said the conflict seems to come up every year.
“We’re hoping people will get what they want at the fall fair on Friday and Saturday and then come out and see us on Sunday,” said Gordon.
The fly-in kicks off Saturday at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast put on by the local Elks Club.
“We’ve got airplanes coming in and going out all day from different places,” she said. “I’m still waiting for the military to find out what they would like to have come in for demonstration purposes.”
Gordon said they will have Harvard class Warbirds on site for display.
“They were here last year and will be back this year,” she said. “They may do a demonstration—that’s up to them. Most people like to walk around and ask questions when demonstration aircraft are here.”
The always-popular remote control (RC) aircraft will be on site once again as well.
Gordon said she expects the fly-in to be another well attended success.
“A lot of people, especially the kids, like to see aircraft, especially the model aircraft,” she said. “People love the pancake breakfast as well. We have pilots from other flying clubs that come in as an exercise. It’s always a good idea to fly into different airports. They come in and have breakfast and tour around. We have a bicycle and car they can use if they wish.”
There will be several vendors on hand at the event as well including the local air cadets, who will be selling hot dogs as a fundraiser.
“Kids and parents can ask about joining the air cadets,” said Gordon. “The air cadets do provide flying experience in the gliders.”
On the Saturday, there will be “runway theatre” featuring a movie on the tarmac under the stars.
The featured movie is the animated movie Wings and the starting time will be after 9 p.m. and before dusk.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch at no charge.
