VERNON TOWNSHIP — High-flying fun is expected to land Sunday at Port Meadville Airport with an opportunity to see various aircraft up close.
The 21st annual Fly-In and Drive-In Breakfast and Lunch, hosted by Meadville Chapter 1194 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the airport, located just west Meadville. Admission is free and the event goes rain or shine.
“It’s all about aviation and to get people interested in aviation,” said Diane Tracy, president of the local EAA chapter. “Believe it or not, a lot of people don’t know we have an airport.”
Held in conjunction with the Crawford County Regional Airport Authority, which operates the airport, and Meadville Kiwanis, a service club, the annual event gives people a chance to check out all types of aircraft — from current to vintage.
This is the first year the event has been held in July. All previous years it was held on Father’s Day in mid-June.
This year, the chapter opted to move it back a few weeks because of inclement weather on Father’s Day weekend the past few years, Tracy said.
“We’re hoping for better weather because it’s (scheduled) a little more into summer,” she said Thursday afternoon.
Sunday’s forecast is calling for sunny skies and a high temperature around 80, which should help attract both fliers and the public, Tracy said.
Hundreds normally turn out to learn about aviation and see planes and helicopters up close while dozens of aircraft of various types might fly to the airport during the course of the event.
For a fee, 20-minute plane and helicopter rides are being offered, Tracy said. In addition, Frank Byham, a retired hot air balloon pilot, will have his balloon on display, she said.
Stat MedEvac helicopter ambulance will be on display, plus Vernon Central and Vernon Township volunteer fire departments will have fire truck displays, and there will be classic car muscle car displays, too, she said.
There will be breakfast and lunch available for purchase from Mr. Woody’s Barbecue plus a pick-a-prize auction.