If you are looking for a great Father's Day weekend activity, the Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport has a perfect solution. On Saturday, June 15, 2019 (one day before Father's Day), the airport will host an Open House and Fly-In from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
"This is the first open house we have held in more than two years," says Airport Supervisor Jack Poole. "The reason for the hiatus was to complete a couple of projects - including the Apron Rehabilitation and Runway Overlay projects. We would love the community to bring their appetite and come out to see our brand-new runway while enjoying the day's activities."
Free activities include airport tours; aircraft and military vehicle displays; the Atrium Health Emergency Response Helicopter; and information about flight training, the Civil Air Patrol activities and membership. The Blue Oval Ford Car Club and other classic cars will also be on display.
"The Jungle Aviation and Radio Service, also known as JAARS, will be bringing a couple of airplanes and a helicopter to give rides to individuals who would like to pay for the experience," says Poole.
Flights cost $25 for the airplane and $30 for the helicopter and last about 10 minutes. The airplane carries seven passengers, and the helicopter carries three.
"Many people have never flown or seen the airport," says Poole. "The Fly-In allows the community to come out and see their investment first hand."
A wide variety of food will also be available throughout the day, including barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs and gourmet snow balls.
The event will take place at the Woodson Airfield at the Shelby-Cleveland Regional Airport, located at 830 College Ave., Shelby. It is open to the public, and admission is free. For more information, call the airport at 704-487-1161.

By April Hoyle-Shauf, Special to Community First Media