After a very successful event two years ago, Flight Fest is coming back to the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport.
The event run is by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association of Chatham-Kent (COPA YCK) and is set for Saturday, June 29.
"We'll probably have 50 to 100 aircraft on site," said COPA YCK President Gordan Haslam. "A lot of fly-ins, people come in from other airports to bring their planes. Some of our warbirds might be out, we're not sure yet. The folks that own those planes have other commitments, so we'll try to get them out as well."
Flight Fest takes place every two years. In 2022, over 75 aircraft were on display and over 10,000 people came out. Haslam said they have lots of things planned this year, especially for the kids.
"We've got food vendors, we have live entertainment that's going to run for the whole time we're there. We have kids' play zone sponsored by Lally Auto, they're bringing out their Kids Zone. We have jumpy castles, a lot of kids' activities this year," he said.
There will also be an arts and crafts vendor show, a Led Zeppelin Tribute by Michael White, plus fireworks to end the night around 9:30 p.m.
Haslam added that it's a great opportunity to get up close to different types of aircraft.
"If the pilots or the owners are nearby, myself, I don't mind, I'll let kids sit in the plane and parents take pictures. You got to be careful though, they are aircraft and they are quite expensive, so you don't want a whole bunch of people just walking up and touching them. But in a lot of cases, we'll let the kids go inside the aircraft," Haslam said.
Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable items will be collected for the local food banks. Everyone who makes a donation will be entered in a draw to win one of two scenic air tours of the area.
Free shuttles to the airport will run from St. Paul's Congregational Church on Park Ave. in Chatham, and Memorial Arena on King St. in Blenheim.
For more information, visit https://flightfest.ca/.