Fly, or drive, to the Willmar airport on Saturday

WILLMAR - An old-fashioned fly-in and drive-in will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Willmar Municipal Airport.

"We thought it would be fun to have a fly-in," said Eric Rudningen, owner of Oasis Aero and the airport's fixed-base operator with business partner Paul Beck, who owns Weep No More.

The event is being put on their two businesses and the Willmar Airport Commission.

Pilots are welcome to fly their planes, or taxi them from their hangers, and park them on the main apron at the airport, for the public to be able to view. A car show is also scheduled where car collectors can bring their vehicles. The public will be able to vote for their favorites, Rudningen said.

"We'd love to have them come out," he said.

Starting at 11 a.m. and going until 1 p.m. - or when the food runs out - a freewill donation meal will be served of hot dogs, beans, chips and lemonade. There will also be dessert.

"We've got a whole bunch of (donated) ice cream sandwiches ... " Rudningen said.

Several area businesses are helping to sponsor the event.

If Saturday turns out to be a nice fall day, Rudningen said Lifelink will have its helicopter and the fixed-wing aircraft on display.

"We might even get some vintage aircraft on the ramp," Rudningen said.

City Administrator Ike Holland said during Monday's City Council meeting there will also be static displays of fire and police vehicles.

Toward the end of the event, weather permitting, the highlight will be a little bit of flying.

"We might have a formation flight of Mooneys," Rudningen said, "which is fitting for Willmar."

The Willmar Airport has long been known nationally for its Mooney planes. Bruce Jaeger, who owned Willmar Air Service until 2008, was a longtime Mooney dealer. Beck's business specializes in repairing Mooney fuel tanks.

The fly-in and drive-in will be a great opportunity for the public to come out to the airport.

"It is always nice for people to have a reason to come to the airport," Rudningen said. "See the facility that belongs to the citizens. It is our airport."