Airplanes line the Orcas tarmac at the 2009 Fly-in
The 26th annual Orcas Old-Fashioned Fly In takes place this weekend with camping and tie-down fees waived for the fledglings and buzzards that fly in to enjoy the beautiful locale of the Orcas Airport.
Local Mercy Pilot Dwight Guss is again organizing the affair, for the second year in a row. He says that “hopefully there will be no big changes from last year; everything’s in place.”
While last year’s attendance was down from previous years, Guss has observed at air shows already held this summer that more people are back flying. People agree that Orcas Island’s Fly-In is one of the best because of the camping and the beautiful setting, Guss said.
The event runs Friday through Sunday, with Pancake Breakfasts sponsored by Orcas Island’s volunteer firefighters on Saturday and Sunday mornings across Mt. Baker Road from the Port at the Eastsound Fire Hall.
The Fly-In is sponsored by the Port and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) the biggest aviation association in the world; the Orcas chapter has about two dozen members, says Guss. Along with the Young Eagles free airplane rides, which takes place all over the nation, the Fly-In is the main concern of the local EAA chapter.
“The Orcas Fly-in is one of the most popular Fly-ins in the northwest, and it’s good to see old friends,” said Guss.
The Port offers free parking, plane tie-downs and overnight camping, along with showers, for the event. It also bears the cost of bringing in portable toilets for the event. Von Tobel says, “We encourage our visitors to spend their money in town!” said Port Manager Bea von Tobel.
Experimental aircraft, old-fashioned airplanes, seaplanes and “warbirds” will be on display at the show, which is free and open to all. An Air Lift NW Helicopter will be at the show, as it was last year. T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts will be for sale.
Volunteers are still sought to help with various tasks, and can call Guss at 317-5970.
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