Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days slated for this weekend

Friday, September 6, 2024 at 8:52 AM

By Paul Gable

The highlight of the weekend is the Chapter 1374 EAA Chapter Young Eagle Rally giving free airplane rides to children ages 8-17.

Airplane enthusiasts will fly into the Putnam County Airport this weekend for the annual Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days.

The event, which is slated for Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, will be held at the Putnam County Regional Airport, 1595 Ballard Lane, Greencastle, and according to event organizers, this year's event should be a good one.

"The highlight of the weekend is the Chapter 1374 EAA Chapter Young Eagle Rally giving free airplane rides to children ages 8-17," organizer Doug Miller told The Putnam County Post.

In addition, aerobatic pilot Cliff Robinson is returning to Putnam County this weekend. With over 8,000 hours of flight time, Robinson has flown in over 300 public air show events in a variety of aircraft, including the DeHavilland DHC-1 Super Chipmunk, American Champion Super Decathlon and the famous 500 horsepower Boeing PT-17 Super Stearman.

"Come check out the the World War II vintage Boeing Super Stearman and sit in the front seat as you gear up and strap in for a one of a kind experience you won't find anywhere else in the region," Miller said.

As for how many other planes could fly in, Miller said it is hard to tell.

"You never know for sure. It could be a dozen, or it could be more," he said.

Festivities will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Beyond Homeless Hero for the Homeless 5K at the airport kicking things off. In addition, Miller said vendors, games and live music will line the runway for the free event, which has gone on for over two decades.

"The smiles on the kids' faces after their first flight is what I enjoy most," Miller said.