Airport Appreciation Day to take wing Sept. 29

Displays, food, activities part of special event open to the public

Like the Auburn Municipal Airport?

Then show it, by joining airport staff, volunteers and the folks who fly the planes for Airport Appreciation Day, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the airport office at 2143 E St. NE

Take a gander at aircraft displays, ogle a specialty vintage hydroplane and lots more.

Feed your face at the pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., scarf hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all for free, though donations will be appreciated to support a scholarship fund provided by the Washington Pilots Association.

“This is to recognize the importance of the airport in the city, and to raise awareness. Hopefully, a lot of people will come out to see what the airport’s all about,” said Ingrid Gaub, public works director for the City of Auburn.

“If you’re available, please come out,” said Jamelle Garcia, airport manager and executive director of the Washington Aviation Association. “It’s kind of our outreach to show how much we appreciate the citizens of Auburn.”

This summer, Garcia announced his retirement from his position at the airport at the end of 2018. The City has since decided to bring airport operations in house as opposed to employing another consulting firm to run things, as it has been doing with Garcia, and is in the process of finding new personnel.

The airport began operations in 1969.

Sponsors of the event are the City of Auburn, the Aviation Management Group, the Washington Pilots Association and local airport tenants.