Whether it was for love of airplanes, love of cars, or just wanting to be fed, Lacombe Flying Club’s Annual Fly In Drive In Breakfast was the place to be this past weekend.
Despite somewhat poor weather, hundreds flocked to the Lacombe Airport for breakfast and a chance to see all kinds of aircraft and vintage automobiles. Organizer Ron Wright said that the Lacombe Flying Club is extremely grateful for the locals’ support of the event and the club itself.
“We really appreciate the support of the town,” said Wright.
This year, numbers were down somewhat at the Fly-in Drive-in Breakfast, as cloudy skies and rainy weather prevented a lot of planes from flying into the airport. Wright said at most, 30 or so planes touched down for the event. However, the annual breakfast has seen as many as 80 aircraft come in for the event when flying conditions have been more favourable, added Wright.
Not everyone who attended the breakfast flew in or came for the planes though. Lovers of vintage automobiles also had a chance to see some classic cars courtesy of the Central Alberta Vintage Auto Club who stopped by on their way to another event, said Wright.
All kinds of aircraft could be seen at the airport on Saturday as well. Everything from home-built to vintage aircraft could be seen at the annual breakfast, he added.
Lacombe Flying Club’s Fly-in Drive-in Breakfast is very valuable to the strength of the Club as it build camaraderie, said Wright. He said the event also gives people a chance to speak to pilots and learn more about the planes and other aircraft as well.
“I think it promotes aviation,” said Wright.
When the Lacombe Airport was first built, it was locals who raised the funds for its construction, said Wright. To thank the community for its support, the Lacombe Flying Club started the Fly-in Drive-in Breakfast in 1964, he added.
Today, it continues simply as tradition. On a good day, Wright said the Club will feed as many as 1,600 people. On a poor day, the Club still manages about 500, he added.
Wright stressed again how appreciative the Lacombe Flying Club is for the support of the community. He added that many of the Flying Club’s members are not pilots, but volunteer with the Club simply because they see the importance of the Club and the value of the Lacombe Airport.
