Aug. 6-Dubbed "Fly in or Drive in" - it's all about modes of travel - many walked into Lake County Executive Airport's "Wings and Wheels" event in Willoughby on Aug. 6, now in its 11th year.
During the popular four-hour affair, attendees ambled the grounds of the newly renamed plane plaza to peep out vintage transports of air and land.
After being nixed in 2020 due to the pandemic, the event returned last year, receiving a grant from the Lake County Visitors Bureau (Remarkable Lake County, OH) which was matched by the Lake County commissioners.
Madison Township resident Annie Febel scopes out an old-school self-assembled electric vehicle at Lake County Executive Airport during the Wings and Wheels event on Aug. 6. The showcase is in its 11th year. (Chad Felton ??
Boasting about 200 cars and two dozen aircraft, the event, raging in full force, attracted 500-plus people throughout the day, a turnout hardly surprising to Patty Fulop, the airport's manager.
"This is sponsored by Carver Financial (Services) and Classic Jet Center, and they offer it to their clients as a free event to bring like-minded folks together," she said. "We open it to the public to be good neighbors and let residents get a chance to see the airport, airplanes, and cars up close.
"This is a cooperative effort of the sponsors, including the Lake Development Authority and the airport staff, to bring this event to the residents of Willoughby, Mentor, and all of Lake County," Fulop added.
In addition to featuring show cars and airships, music, food, and awards, not to mention fun, filled the day.
The sustaining appeal of Wings and Wheels is that it always offers something different to see, Fulop noted.
"You can visit each year and not see the same cars and aircraft," she said. "This year, I expect to see members of a Model A Club. People are still anxious to get outdoors and gather safely. Because we have no registration fee and offer trophies for bragging rights, those who build, collect and restore aircraft and automobiles like to come to our show.
"This event could not happen without the many volunteers that lend a hand with everything from setup to parking cars to registration."
Lake County Executive Airport's 11th annual Wings and Wheels event, showcasing classic cars and vintage aircraft, attracted hundreds of admirers and enthusiasts throughout the day on Aug. 6. (Chad Felton ??
Bureau Executive Director Neil Stein concurred.
"This is a tremendous event where attendees get to see some of the most unique vehicles and airplanes," he said. "And it's a great opportunity for people to visit and learn about the growing and expanding the airport in Willoughby and to learn about all the different programs the airport offers, including flying lessons.
"Remarkable Lake County, OH is proud to support this event and look forward to the event continuing to grow for years to come."
As the fête continues to evolve, CEO and founder Randy Carver said he plans to continue holding the event and has intimated expanding it to include "Water," possibly bringing in boats to round out the showcase.
Stay tuned....
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