There were plenty of planes and automobiles for guests to enjoy Saturday at the 8th annual Wings and Wheels event at Pekin Municipal Airport.

Guests and their families got to hit the tarmac and enjoy a car show, airplane tours, a flea market, and visits with local police and fire departments.

Airport manager Todd Dugan said the event is especially important for the younger visitors.

“We love getting kids introduced to aviation – seeing the airplane,” Dugan said. “There is a huge pilot shortage – a huge everything shortage – in aviation. So getting people involved when they are young really is great for that.”

Wings and Wheels kicked off with a breakfast early in the morning, and for lunch, local food trucks parked along the runway.

Dugan said it was nice to see everyone back after the event was canceled in 2020.