Aviation Day 2004
 

On Saturday, March 6th, local Chapter 99 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) hosted their second annual Aviation Day event at the Vero Beach Airport. Approximately 2,500 people attended the event this year, and enjoyed a wide variety of aircraft static displays, model airplanes, aviation artwort, exhibits, and a day of good family entertainment.

As a very special attraction at this year�s event, arrangements were made with the Collings Foundation of Stow, Massachusetts, to bring their 2004 wings of Freedom Tour to the airport on the same weekend. The Collings Foundation displayed fully restored B-24 and B-25 World War II bombers, and made them available to the general public for inspection and a limited number of 30 minute flights around the Vero Beach area.

According to airport and EAA officials, Aviation Day 2004 was a great success. This type of open-house event encourages local residents to visit their local airport, develop a greater appreciation for a very substantial community asset, and become more aware of the wide range of aviation and non-aviation businesses that are located at the airport. It also provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Experimental Aircraft Association and the variety of programs that they have to offer to the community. Based upon the excellent response from the public at this year�s event, the EAA is already making plans for Aviation Day 2005!