For almost three decades, flying enthusiasts as well as the Putnam County community as a whole have made their way to the Putnam County Regional Airport for the annual Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days event and this weekend promises to be no different.
"Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days is held on the second weekend in September for the Board of Directors and the Airport Management to showcase the Putnam County Regional Airport," Ginger Scott, a member of the Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days committee, told The Putnam County Post.
The event, which will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., respectively, will be held at the airport, 1595 Ballard Lane, Greencastle.
According to Scott, there is something for everyone at the two-day event, which kicks off with the opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. on Saturday as the Covered Bridge Harmony Group will perform the National Anthem, as well as other patriotic songs.
On Saturday, the Hero for the Homeless Annual 5K Run and Walk will take place. The 5K will benefit the programs and services of Beyond Homeless and will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the airport. The entry fee is $35 and features a shirt for each participant. Family registrations are available for $75 and covers up to four people per registration.
In addition, PDM Aviation, LLC will be conducting paid rides during the event, there will be plenty of vendors, Big Bounce Fun Rentals will have inflatables and games, Cliff Robinson will be in attendance with his Stearman Bi Plane for paid rides, DJ Figgy Hardwick will be spinning the hits, the fire department will bring out the Smokehouse and there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase merchandise, food and drinks.
In addition, the EAA Young Eagle Rally will take place with free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 available. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Scott said it is hard to narrow down what the committee enjoys most about the event.
"We love that this is a fun, family, community event. The Young Eagle rally has our heart. Launched in 1992, the Experimental Aircraft Association began giving free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 to introduce youth to aviation. During our two day event, our volunteer pilots will fly 100-plus children," said Scott, who added over 2.3 million children have flown.
Scott has said anyone looking for something to do should come out to the airport this year.
"The weather forecast looks great for this weekend, so it should be an outstanding attendance for 2023. Check out updates on our Facebook page, Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days," Scott said.
