The 5th Annual Heroes Take Flight Fly-in will be held March 8, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport in Auburn, Alabama. Due to airport construction, the road race will not be held this year. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of one of Lee County most exciting events of 2008!
The American Red Cross operates under a Congressional Charter to provide Armed Forces Emergency Services and disaster services to the American people. “Red Cross workers live and die with our military personnel in times of war and peace and know first hand the sacrifices they make to keep our country free”, said Jennifer Ryan, Executive Director of the Lee County Red Cross. This fly-in is about enjoying and learning about all types of aircraft, honoring our military and making sure our local Red Cross has the funds it needs to continue serving the residents of Lee County, Ryan said”.
“We invite aviation enthusiasts of every age and interest to come out and enjoy the events and activities at Fly-in,” said Lee County Commissioner and Event Chairman Johnny Lawrence. “We’re looking forward to welcoming participants and guests from across the county and around the country to this event.”
“There’s really something for everyone here at Fly-in,” said Airport Director Bill Hutto. “It’s an event in which the entire family can participate and enjoy.” Ongoing entertainment will be offered during the Fly-in this year including music by Master of Ceremonies and local pilot John Bodiford from Qantum Communications, parachutist Buddy Blue and others from Sky Dive Opelika, a children’s area with face painting and inflatables from Party Depot, and more. Local police, fire and EMS will have vehicles on display, military vehicles will be on display and K-9 units will give demonstrations. Special commemorative t-shirts will be for sale along with military memorabilia and Red Cross merchandise.
Over 50 aircraft are scheduled to be on display including a P-51 Mustang, a B-25 Bomber, a Japanese Zero replica, a Japanese Kate torpedo bomber replica, experimental aircraft, corporate jets, helicopters, military aircraft and more. Applications for food vendors, sponsors, volunteers and pre-registered veterans are currently being accepted. The next meeting of the fly-in committee will be Tuesday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lee County Red Cross office.
Lee County Red Cross Health and Community Services Manager Leigh Warren emphasizes the commitment and involvement of Fly-in’s volunteers and sponsors. “None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers and sponsors,” she said. “There is no way we could put on an event the size and scope of Fly-in without their time, talent and enthusiasm. We appreciate all of their contributions, which play a part in our chapter’s ongoing success and ability to serve our community.”
Because of overwhelming response to last year’s event, parking has been arranged at Lakeview Baptist Church and the City of Auburn ball fields at Glenn and Airport Rd. LETA shuttles will run continuously during the event to ride patrons from the parking areas.
The cost for the event is $5.00 per adult in advance or $ 8.00 at the gate. Children 12 and under are just $2.00. Adults purchasing tickets in advance will receive a commemorative lapel pin and money saving coupon package. For safety reasons, no pets will be allowed.
Tickets will be available in January and can be purchased in advance at the Lee County Red Cross Office, the Opelika-Auburn News, and various retail locations or online at www.leeredcross.org.
The fly-in is always the second Saturday in March, so you can mark your calendars now for years to come. For more information on the fly-in contact the Lee County Red Cross at 334-749-9981 or visit their website at www.leeredcross.org.
Source: Lee County Red Cross News Release