Big Success for Celebrate Portage Wings and Wheels

RAVENNA, Ohio - Sept. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- After months of planning for the Portage County Regional Airport's first annual Celebrate Portage Wings and Wheels Fly-in/Cruise-in on September 3rd, the celebratory event was a big success with beautiful skies and sunshine for the 1500-2000 attendees from the county to out of state. Smiles, laughter and ongoing music filled the atmosphere with more than 35 airplanes and over 50 classic cars, motorcycles, military vehicles and tractors from 1940s and 1950s were on display at the airport premise in Shalersville, Ohio. The celebration and promotion of the Portage County Regional Airport aligned with their new partnership with Celebrate Portage!, a group of community and business leaders who volunteer as part of the Visioning  in Portage's mission to educate and invigorate the vision for a vibrant and exciting Portage county. "What a great day for the families of our local community and Portage County. I would like to thank all those that brought their airplanes, cars, trucks and  tractors to the airport and to all those that attended – what a way to kick off the Labor Day weekend," said Chris Gilmore, president of the airport board of trustees.

96 kids ages 8-17 were able to go for their first airplane ride at no cost, through Young Eagles, a program launched in 1992 by the Experimental Aircraft Association to give children an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation aircraft while educating them about aviation. Will Hubin, a local pilot at Portage County, flew what seemed to be an endless stream of Young Eagles in his Diamond DA 40.  Mr. Hubin, along with eight other local pilots flew 8 airplanes and one helicopter generously donated their time and costs of the flights to the Young Eagles program to make the day a great success. "It's been fun seeing these kids' smile and having fun," said Chris Mars, one of the airport board of trustees and event committee organizer.

The celebration included Greg Winland, vice president of the Northeast Ohio Two Cylinder, and his two sons, Hank and Miles who educated the history of the workhorses to the attendees. Twist of Leona food truck and the Crestwood Lions Club provided food for the visitors as they explored the alluring displays and fun event. Spectators from the ground cheered as two WWII era biplane flew above them. "I fly her whenever and as much as I can," said owner John Kuebel. "Especially on days like this when the weather is perfect for flying." The day ended with continued smiles from the attendees. The anticipation for next year's Celebrate Portage Wings and Wheels could be heard in the crowd.