PC Airport Appreciation Days returns Sept. 7 and 8

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7 and 8 starting at 9 a.m. each day. These fun-filled family days will be bigger than ever this year.

Big Bounce Fun House will be bringing even more attractions with the addition of more mechanical rides, bounce houses, games and a Trackless Train. Also new for this year is a Saturday morning 5K run to benefit Riley Hospital for Children sponsored by Wal-Mart.

Hope's Way pony rides and an exhibition mule team will be on the grounds as well, and the rumble of a motorcycle rally to benefit the Red Cross will be rolling onto the grounds late Saturday afternoon.

Organizers will also be adding more food options this year. The Lions Club will offer hamburgers, soft drinks and popcorn, and the Rotary Club will offer Coney dogs and root beer floats. Charlie's Restaurant will be on hand with pulled pork and chicken.

Cotton Candy and Sno-cones will be available from booths set up by the United Way of Putnam County client organizations. Dixie Chopper Business Center will have its breakfast and lunch buffets available.

The event will also feature an Indiana Spaceport Balloon Launch this year. Spaceport Indiana will join the Putnam County Airport to celebrate the rich history of our nation's aerospace program. After 60 years of space flight, our country is now entering a new chapter of exploration and discovery.

Join mission specialists for an exciting look at space exploration and learn about what lies ahead for our space program. Take part in a workshop or be part of a high altitude balloon launch to the edge of space. Spaceport Indiana is the only Spaceport in the Midwest and is Indiana's largest STEM education provider.

As in years past, EAA Chapter 1374 will be offering Young Eagle airplane rides to youth between the ages of eight and 17. Rides will be available from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Helicopter rides by Freedom Helicopters will be available daily as well.

The Greencastle Rotary Club will be hosting a classic car cruise-in for the four-wheel crowd.

In addition, the annual gathering of aircraft of all types and sizes will be on display. This year's aircraft guest of honor is a historic Stearman bi-plane owned and operated by Cliff Robinson, chief pilot of Robinson Aerobatics. His appearance is being sponsored by Dairy Castle.

Robinson has a lengthy flying career with more than 300 public air shows and more than 8,000 hours of flying experience as a flight instructor, crop duster and aerobatics showman. All certifications and aircraft meet the stringent standards of the Federal Aviation Administration and are renewed as required by federal regulations.

The biggest change for this year will be the absence of the 20th Century Radio Show. Due to a previously scheduled event, the Dixie Chopper Business Center event hangar is unavailable. The show has been put on temporary hiatus and will return in full form at a future date.

As an alternative for the evening's entertainment True Speed Aviation and Tony Stewart have made their hangar available for the first PCAAD Fly-in Theatre event, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. PCAAD Fly-in Theatre is sponsored by Wabash Capital Investments.

Rick Parent will be the Master of Ceremonies. We will maintain the core of the Radio Show by beginning the evening with a sing-a-long celebration of Putnam County veterans and their service to freedom led by the Covered Bridge Country Chorus.

The barnstorming aviation film "High Road to China" starring Tom Selleck will follow. So bring your lawn chairs for a rollicking good time. The film is presented free of charge by Wabash Capital Investments, with popcorn provided by the Lions Club.

A Sky Lantern Launch will finish off the evening.

The folks of The PCAAD Group, Putnam County Airport, PDM Aviation and their event partners invite everyont to join them for this year's Airport Appreciation Days.

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