Look, boss! De plane! De plane!

By Brendan Shriane

Summer gets off to a flying start this Memorial Day weekend with Blaine’s third annual Antique Aircraft Fly-in at Blaine Airport.

Blaine’s Airport Commission is hosting the one-day event, where pilots come from around the state and Canada to show off their planes to each other and the public, on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

The last two years the event coincided with Victoria Day. This year, it’s being pushed back. “Last year the weather was terrible so we moved it back a week. We hope we get some good weather,” said Doug Fenton, commission co-chair.

Organizers say the fly-in is important because it introduces Blaine to visitors. “For new people, it gives them a chance to have a look at our town. While they’re here they’ll wander around and shop and eat,” said Fenton. “The people who have come the last couple of years have had a good time.”

One of the highlights of the fly-in will be half-hour scenic flights with “Bunky” Larson of Snohomish in his 1928 Travel Air biplane for what Fenton describes as a minimal fee. Aircraft at the show will range from Merrill Wien of Orcas Island’s historic, French-made Broussard to the experimental aircraft of Arlington’s Black Jack Squadron.

The air show will also feature a visit and demonstration from Northwest Airlift helicopter air ambulance. Fenton hopes it could lead to regular air service in this area. “It would be a real coup to have air ambulance service up here – it would save a lot of lives,” said Fenton.

The commission is providing free hot dogs and soda drinks to all who attend the event.

Attendees can also sign up for door prizes including a two-way, handheld ICOM aircraft communications radio, an estimated $500 value and an overnight stay for two at Semiahmoo donated by the resort, valued at $150.

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