Everglades Airpark Announces Dates for Pancake Fly-In, Airpark Day

The Friends of Everglades Airpark are thankful for the Collier County Commissioners making the decision to keep our Everglades Airpark open a little over one year ago. The Commissioners made it clear they wanted the airpark brought back to financial stability and to meet FAA safety standards.

The County’s Airport Authority has been working towards the goal of repairing the eight “T” hangers that were damaged during Hurricane Ian. Any day now, the contract is to be awarded. During the past year, several repairs have been made. Most recently, a major road repair took place; the runway lights were fixed; windsocks were replaced; the fuel tank was cleaned up & serviced. Sadly, the vending machine was removed. A new person, James Parks, was hired to manage the daily operations.

The Friends Group is planning a Pancake Fly-in for Oct. 3. We will provide transportation to and from the event for pilots and their guests to McLoed Park. The hours of this event will be 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Additionally, the 2nd Annual Everglades Airpark Day is set for Nov. 14. It will be held at McLoed Park in the center of Everglades City. We will provide Food and Entertainment along with displays and vendors related to Aviation.

This year we have coupled our event with “Art in the Park” which features local Artists and their creations. The Airpark Day will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Our local Lions Club will provide the food. This year will also have new exhibitors along with a gelato truck from Naples providing an array of deserts.

The intent of the Airpark Day is to help our community appreciate the benefit of having our own airport in Everglades City. We also wish to encourage everyone to consider careers in a aviation.

Representatives from the Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute will be available to provide information on their programs for our local students. Besides aviation, LWTI has a wonderful Outboard Motor Mechanics course. Just like last year, we will raffle off Free Airplane Rides, provided by Everglades Air Tours. Both the fly-in and the Airpark Day are family–friendly events.