HOULTON, Maine — The weather proved to be spectacular for the 6th annual Houlton International Wings and Wheels Fly-in/Cruise-in.
By many accounts it was the first time in six years that the event was blessed with good weather from start to finish. Smiling faces and comments about the fabulous day underlined the experience.
The day started with breakfast and more than 20 planes flew in and countless cars drove in from all over to partake. “In the end the crew served about 160 meals,” according to Jane Torres, executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce.
Nathaniel Sussman and his grandmother, Iva Sussman enjoy doing a little chalk art on the tarmac of Houlton International Airport during Saturday’s Wings and Wheels celebration. (Rosalind Morgan)
The day offered lots of things to do for kids and adults. A guided tour of the Houlton Air Base led by Leigh Cummings aboard teamster, Ben Henderson’s horse drawn wagon was a big hit. Meanwhile the tractor train was never left wanting for riders.
Saturday offered up the chance for lots of folks to try something adventuresome. Helicopter rides and skydiving seem to be going on nonstop. Eileen McLaughlin was one of the many who chose to give skydiving a try. After her leap of faith, she said, “It was the most spectacular thing on my bucket list. Really great!”
Brothers, James and John Gaddis opted for the helicopter ride. When asked if they would do it again they responded with an enthusiastic, “Yes, it was great!”
For those who opted to stay on the ground there was plenty of good food, flying machines, classic cars, an exhibit from the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, a candy drop, the Houlton Airport Museum, chalk drawing and a bounce house. All of the activities saw their share of participants.
The crowd throughout the day was estimated at 800, along with a marvelous group of volunteers and sponsors that made Wings and Wheels possible.
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- Eileen McLaughlin of Houlton was one of many individuals to try out the tandem skydiving at Saturday’s Wings and Wheels celebration. (Rosalind Morgan)
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- Candy pours from the ultralight aircraft of Gene Ross during Saturday’s Wings and Wheels celebration in Houlton. (Rosalind Morgan)
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- James Gaddis, front, and his brother John return from their helicopter ride Saturday during the Wings and Wheels celebration in Houlton. (Rosalind Morgan)
