CIVIL AIR PATROL volunteers C/TSgt Abby Nichols and C/SrA Amber Cheatham wait for the next rider as Finnley Erickson of Bark River gets a push on the pedal plane from C/Amn Gabe Belanger at Ford Airport Day in 2019. The 18th annual event is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the EAA Chapter 439 hangar on the east side of Ford Airport. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News file photo)

KINGSFORD — Helicopter rides and free airplane flights for youth will be among the Ford Airport Day highlights Saturday at the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 439 hangar on the east side of Ford Airport.

Youth are a special focus of the 18th annual event, set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., said Will Kroeger, EAA Chapter 439 secretary and Ford Airport Day coordinator.

“Trying to get the kids interested in aviation at an early age, get them out to the airport,” Kroeger explained.

Registration for the free Young Eagle Flights for youth 8 to 17 will be 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

Also designed for the kids are the pedal airplane corral and train and a Snoopy flight simulator, where they can try to shoot down the Red Baron.

For the adults looking to get off the ground, Lake Superior Helicopter will offer rides for $35 to $79 per person.

Other attractions and activities include numerous aircraft on display, artifacts from the Menominee Range Historical Foundation and the model airplane club.

An automobile show will take place on the grounds as well, with many classic makes and models. Kroeger expects a good turnout of vehicles, since the show normally held the weekend after the Dickinson County Fair didn’t happen this year.

Civil Air Patrol, the Dickinson County Pilots Association, Guardian Flight and AirMedCare Network all are expected to be present as well.

A pancake breakfast is planned from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, then lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is $7, with no charge for ages 8 and younger and a maximum family fee of $20.

The event is hosted by Ford Airport, EAA Chapter 439 and U.P. Truck Center. Major sponsor is Bacco Construction and Golden sponsors are Tourism Association of Dickinson County Area, M.J. Electric, Pro Tech Lube Center and First National Bank & Trust.

On Friday, the Tribute to Veterans program will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Dickinson County hangar at Ford Airport. Veterans who attend will be treated to a free lunch.