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New and favorite attractions featured at Ford Airport Days

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 4 min read

KINGSFORD -- Aviation enthusiasts will have a chance to step aboard a living piece of history this weekend and experience a flight over the community connected to its legacy.

The C-47 Skytrain "Hairless Joe" will be among the featured attractions at the 23rd-annual Ford Airport Days, presented by EAA Chapter 439, on Saturday at Ford Airport in Kingsford. Gates will open at 9 a.m., with the event to conclude at 4 p.m.

For those who have ever wondered what it was like to fly in one of the aircraft that helped shape aviation history, the C-47 offers an opportunity to experience it firsthand.

The C-47 Skytrain was widely used by allied forces during World War II as a military transport aircraft. Aircraft of the C-47's type also played an important role in supporting military operations by transporting troops, equipment and supplies.

But the connection between the aircraft and Kingsford runs even deeper. C-47s such as "Hairless Joe" once towed CG-4 gliders that were built at the Kingsford plant during World War II.

Decades later, visitors will have the opportunity to climb aboard the historic aircraft that will provide a unique scenic view of the area.

Passenger seats aboard "Hairless Joe" are available for flights Friday and Saturday, with multiple flight times available. Tickets are $185 per passenger. Seats are limited.

To book a flight, go to the https://mfm.ticketapp.org/portal/product/47#ticket_selection.

The C-47 will be just one of the many attractions at this year's Ford Airport Days.

Spectators can check out the A-26 Invader The Silver Dragon, a World War II bomber based at the Kingsford Airport.

The loud bomber will once again fly throughout the day doing formation flights and overpasses.

In addition to the large variety of aircraft on display, participants can witness thrilling flybys and demonstrations.

They will also have many activities planned for kids throughout the day.

Local youth ages 8 to 17 can take advantage of the Young Eagle Flights. Pre-registration is encouraged for these flights, as space is limited. Those interested can go to yeday.org to sign up and select one of the time slots available for this weekend.

The car show is another longtime crowd favorite. Show-car participants should follow the event signs and enter through Gate 1 on Woodward Avenue beginning at 9:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m.

Admission is free for car-show participants plus one guest.

Kids will have plenty to keep them entertained, including a kiddie train, pedal planes and a flight simulator. In the simulator, children can climb into an airplane replica and experience the thrill of virtually flying the aircraft.

A bounce house will also be available, adding another fun option for young visitors throughout the day.

Lunch will also be available for purchase in the hanger. The EAA Chapter will once again offer a variety of items on the menu.

Admission for Ford Airport Day is $10 per person, and free for children younger than age 8. There is also a maximum fee of $30 per family.

Parking is free and handicap parking is available. The public entrance is at 2800 Woodward Ave. in Kingsford.

Organizers are also in need of volunteers to help with duties throughout the event.

Friday will feature the free Veterans Tribute program beginning at 11 a.m. in the Dickinson County hangar at Ford Airport. Veterans also will be treated to a free lunch and have an opportunity to check out the displays before the event.

In addition to providing an opportunity for the community to see planes up close and talk with pilots, the annual event is a fundraiser for the chapter.

EAA Chapter 439's Ford Airport Day continues to rely on sponsorship. Platinum sponsors are Ford Airport and U.P. Truck Center Towing & Recovery; gold sponsors are Kubick Aviation Services, Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, Bacco Construction, Champion Inc., M.J. Electric, David and Claire Pasahow, Debonaire Inc., Dickinson County Veterans Service Office, Town & Country Sales and First Bank; and silver supporters are Blagec Brothers, CSA Air Inc., Classic Aero Maintenance, First National Bank & Trust, Lake Shore/Trident Maritime Systems, Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, Okler Construction Services, Jakes R&R Tire, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union, WJNR/WHTO/WOBE Radio and Disabled American Veterans.

Everyone is encouraged to spend the day with EAA Chapter 439 at Ford Airport to enjoy one of the community's favorite traditions.

For more information about the event, go to the Ford Airport or EAA Chapter 439 Facebook page.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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