Planes, Cars, and Art—Oh, My!

Planes…

Airplanes line the Orcas tarmac at the 2009 Fly-in

Each year 100-150 aircraft attend the Orcas Fly-In from around the country. Under the variety of old-fashioned airplanes, seaplanes, “warbirds” and experimental aircraft, pilots relax, camping underneath or near the wings of their aircraft and are there to answer any questions about their aircraft. Sponsored by EAA Chapter 937.

The 30^th 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. 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 Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday sponsored by Orcas Island’s volunteer firefighters on Saturday and Sunday mornings across Mt. Baker Road from the Port at the Eastsound Fire Hall, and a Chicken Dinner on Saturday evening.

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 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. 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.

Cars…

Vintage cars, smooth rides at the Show and Shine car show

JOIN THE 13TH ANNUAL ORCAS ROAD CLASSIC!

Saturday, August 3 from 10 am – 2 pm @ Airport Park

The Orcas Road Classics would like to extend an invitation to join us for our 13th annual Car show here on Beautiful Orcas Island on August 3rd! The show is free for all, but we use this opportunity to help our local food bank so a $10 dollar donation is suggested per car. We are sharing the weekend with the Orcas Annual Fly In as well which brings many vintage airplanes. All cars, trucks, motorcycles and anything on wheels are invited to attend! Show Starts at 10 am and will wrap up at around 2 pm and is located at the Airport Park on the corner North Beach Road and Mt Baker Road 1 block East of the Eastsound Airport. Registration starts at 8:30 am. Hope to see you all there!