Aerial Demonstrations, Family Fun Planned For Annual Deer Park Fly-In

The sight of firefighting aircraft completing a water drop over the Deer Park Municipal Airport is again expected to be one of the biggest attractions at this year's Deer Park Fly-In, but organizers say the event is about much more than airplanes. Set for Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Deer Park Municipal Airport, 712 N. Cedar Road, the annual fly-in includes opportunities to explore the airport, meet local pilots, enjoy food and live entertainment, and discover how, according to event organizers, aviation can benefit the entire community.

Admission and parking are free, with donations accepted to benefit the Washington Pilots Association Deer Park Chapter Pilot Scholarship Fund. According to Deer Park Municipal Airport Manager and Senior Flight Instructor at Deer Park Air Center Darold Schultz, the event is designed to connect the aviation community with local residents. "The fly-in is an aviation community event where pilots get together to share their aircraft with the local community.

The airport will invite common users of the airport for the community to see," Schultz said. Schultz said the event has become a popular annual tradition. "Last year's event drew about 1,000 people. Last year was a larger event with more community booths, vendors, and food trucks than typical," he said. For Schultz, one of the event's biggest goals is helping residents better understand the value their local airport provides.

"The goal is community awareness, camaraderie, showcasing the airport to local citizens, showing the public the important role the airport plays in the community, and having a good time," he said. Visitors will be offered an up-close look at a variety of aircraft, including aerial firefighting airplanes, antique aircraft, and locally-owned airplanes displayed by their owners.

Organizers also hope to feature first responder aircraft used for patient transport and a Spokane County Sheriff's Office helicopter, depending on availability. Several demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. "The Aerial Firefighters will demonstrate a water drop, there will be a spot landing contest and a flour drop by willing participants, and the Baron's RC Club will do a flight demonstration," Schultz said. Beyond the aircraft, the fly-in offers vendor booths featuring local businesses, an airport rummage sale and aviation parts sale, a silent auction, food, and live music and entertainment throughout the day, according to Schultz.

Community organizations and aviation groups are also planned to be on hand to educate visitors about the services provided through the airport. According to Schultz, participating organizations include the Washington Pilots Association Deer Park Chapter, Deer Park Fire Department, Airlift Northwest, Civil Air Patrol, several local flight schools, and the Baron's Model Club.

"I hope it leaves the impression that the airport is a place that everyone in the community benefits in some way," Schultz said. He added that he hopes people recognize "the important role the airport plays in the community, allowing for business travel, medical transport, aerial firefighting, law enforcement operations, recreation, and training opportunities." Schultz believes the event’s community atmosphere is what sets it apart.

"It doesn't have the aerobatics and aerial demonstrations they have at larger airports, but it is very similar to other community airport events where the focus is community and camaraderie," he said. According to event organizers, parking is free, with antique tractor-drawn hay rides transporting visitors from the parking area to the event and golf carts available for those unable to ride the hay wagon. The event will be held rain or shine unless low cloud ceilings prevent aircraft from flying.

Pets are not permitted, and attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring sunglasses. Above all, Schultz hopes visitors enjoy themselves. "We hope everyone attending and those that are participating know how much we appreciate them and hope that they have a good time," he said.