1 / 1 Mani Kooner from Aldergrove looked through a helicopter tail rotor. Langley Regional Airport closed its runways to host Air Fair on Saturday, Sept. 13.(Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times) Advertisement
Mani and Gagan Kooner from Aldergrove and their kids were enjoying the chance for a close-up look at aircraft during the inaugural Air Fair at the Langley Regional Airport on Saturday, Sept. 13.
“This is amazing,” Gagan commented.
“It’s great for my kids to be up and close to all the helicopters and all the aircraft.”
Runways were closed for Air Fair, a free, family-friendly day where visitors could explore planes and helicopters, enjoy interactive zones, and learn more about the local airport.
Jeff Chenatte, general manager of the Canadian Museum of Flight explained it was a collaboration initiated by the Township of Langley and the airport with the museum and all of the residents and businesses at the airport.
“They’ve taken over the entirety of the tarmac and populated it with static plate exhibits, kids zone, vendors, food trucks, just a lot going on” Chenatte said.
Admission to the museum was free, and the large hangar doors facing the runway were raised for the day.
Langley Regional Airport Manager Patrick Sihota was “absolutely thrilled to be hosting Air Fair.
“This event is all about connection,” Sihota said. “It’s a chance for the community to step behind the scenes, see the incredible aircraft up close, and enjoy a wonderful day with local food, vendors, and family fun.
Air Fair featured several zones, a Young Aviators Kids Zone featuring face painting, balloon twisting, bouncy castles, an Aircraft Display Zone with a variety of planes and helicopters, an Airport Business Zone to learn about Langley Regional Airport businesses and operations, a Marketplace Zone featuring a diverse group of makers, bakers, and small businesses and a Refuel Zone with local food and beverage vendors.
Among the early arrivals was Township councillor Tim Baillie, who said it was “incredible” to see some of the old aircraft from the museum back on a runway.
“We always come and visit the Flight Museum but this is pretty impressive, especially the old plane at the end of the runway that looks like it’s going to take off,” Baillie commented, pointing at the Conair Firecat water bomber that usually sits parked on a lawn at the airport.
Crowds started forming as soon as the gates opened. Organizers estimated about 10,000 people visited, about double the expected number.
Parking quickly overflowed, with vehicles parallel parking along 216th street all the way back to McLeod Athletic Park.
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