Sun shines on 50th anniversary celebration at Kincardine Airport

It was perfect weather Saturday for the 50th anniversary celebration at the Kincardine Municipal Airport.

A crowd of about 400 attended, along with about 40 aircraft that flew in for the event, plus the static aircraft display.

Stanley Pickles, who was to speak at the event, was unable to attend, so his speech was read by MC Mike Walsh.

In the speech, Pickles welcomed everyone to the Kincardine Airport.

“I am sure many have travelled up and down Highway 21, glanced in this direction, and seen an empty ramp area,” he stated. “It would look even more bleak in the winter.

“It’s a day like today, though, that makes it special, and it’s those who are here today, a community of enthusiasts, that an airport is all about.

“An airport is about dreams. How many children have looked at birds and dreamt about flying? How many older children dream about becoming an airline pilot or flying for the RCAF? And there are many other dreams that adults continue to have that are fulfilled at the airport.

“An airport is about firsts. Many children have had their first flight in an airplane at this airport. They have seen the world from a new perspective. There was the Young Eagles program and later, the COPA for Kids, that introduced several hundred children to the world of aviation. Many pilots have had their first solo flight in an airplane at this airport.

“An airport is about memories. There have been a lot of events here over the years. They bring in many different aircraft, each with a different story. These will invoke memories among many who visit, perhaps of those in the past who fought in the war. And many more positive memories of trips, of people, and of life.

“An airport is also about history. The aircraft that have visited this airport, including some on the ramp today, represent part of the history of aviation. They help us appreciate where we are and how far we have come. They help us appreciate the value of the freedom to fly.

“Compare the cockpit of a trainer from the Second World War against what is in some of these planes today and we can appreciate the conveniences and safety we have now and the effort required of those who flew many years ago. Each time a pilot pulls out onto the runway and pushes the throttle forward, he does so on the shoulders of all those who have gone before. Not only of those who fought for freedom but also of those who struggled to make flying safe, to learn about what makes a plane fly.

“An airport, this airport, is a treasure because of its location and because of the community we have here. It is a gateway to the world. We can head out and literally fly wherever we want. A gateway to the world? Yes, just last year, a 19-year-old woman departed from an airport in Belgium not unlike this one, in an airplane not unlike those you see here today, and flew around the world. Her intent was to raise awareness for young ladies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs.

“So, today, we pay tribute to, and thank, those who helped build the dream that has become this airport, this community.

“Here are some key milestones involved with this airport:
 

• 1966 - The Industrial Committee of Kincardine prepared a report to council recommending that an airport be built.
• July 7, 1969 - Jim Farrell and Wayne Lowry in a C-FUQU, were the first to land on the initial landing strip.
• Aug. 20, 1969 - Council made the decision to pick up the option on the land.
• Sept. 20, 1970 - The official opening ceremony.

“Since then, there have been many events and enhancements to make what we have here today.”

Two cash donations were presented to the airport during the celebration:
 

• Edward Fuels (McDougall Fuels), $1,000
• Bernard Schropp of Avia Airport engineers, $500

Throughout the four-hour event, people were able to check out numerous planes, including a PT-26-B Cornell, flown by pilot Shawn Clish of the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation (located between Barrie and Collingwood); a 1944 Cornell built by Doug Harkes of Wroxeter, and an OPP Aviation Services helicopter.

There was also an antique car show behind the airport terminal.