THE A-26 INVADER “The Silver Dragon” will again be a featured aircraft at Ford Airport Day on Saturday in Kingsford. (Daily News photo)

By TERRI CASTELAZ

The Daily News

KINGSFORD — For two decades, the history of flight has been celebrated at Ford Airport Day.

The 20th-annual event is set to take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kingsford airport.

The A-26 Invader “The Silver Dragon” will again be one of many unique aircrafts featured on site. Spectators can also check out a T-6, World War II trainer aircraft and several corporate jets.

“We have some neat older ones as well,” said Tom Sullivan, president of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 439, referring to the corporate jets.

In addition to the numerous planes on display, Sullivan said they have a wide range of aviation transportation, including helicopter and a mini-bike powered by a jet engine.

They are again offering Young Eagle Flights to those ages 8 to 17. Pre-registration is required for these flights and should be done well in advance, as space is limited. Those interested can go online to yeday.org to sign up and select one of the 75 time slots available for this weekend.

Kids can enjoy the pedal planes, train and a Snoopy flight simulator, where they can try to shoot down the Red Baron.

“We have also brought back the drones, giving kids a chance to fly them under an enclosed tent,” he said. “We encourage the youth to come give them a try.”

In conjunction with the airport activities, the Just Cruizin’ Car Club will host a custom car, truck and motorcycle show. Registration will run from 9 to 11 a.m., with the show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Presentation of trophies in 12 classes, along with Best of Show, will begin at 2 p.m. They will also award a trophy for the “Best Pontiac” in memory of Jeff DeRidder.

“This will be the only fall car show for the club,” Sullivan said.

A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m., with lunch following from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hangar. They will offer hot dogs, hamburgers, brats and a variety of snacks and beverages.

Friday will feature the Tribute to Veterans 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.

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.

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 sponsor supporter is Kubick Aviation Services; and silver supporters are Blagec Brothers, Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, CSA Air Inc., First Bank, Protech Lube Center and Car Wash, and Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union.

Saturday’s weather forecast looks to be positive for the event. But Sullivan noted, “We have three large hangers providing plenty of protection from the weather if things change. We are hoping the community will come out and enjoy the day.”

For more information about the event, contact Sullivan at 906-458-6989.