HOULTON, Maine — By all accounts, Saturday’s inaugural “Wings and Wheels” fly-in/cruise-in at the Houlton International Airport was a soaring success, despite a damp start to the event.
“Given the iffy weather, Wings and Wheels exceeded our expectations,” said Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “The people who came to the airport were met by Rotarians who donated their time to help park cars, help the children make and fly paper airplanes, and answer questions about the airport and its history since WWII. Jon Miller got the crowd going in the early morning with his music and welcomed the cruise-in folks throughout the day.”
A steady stream of spectators came to the airport to get an up-close look at many airplanes and helicopters at the airport. People enthusiastically embraced all aspects of the day from the Border Patrol, Forestry Service and Customs and Border Protection displays to the food provided by the Chamber, Ark Animal Sanctuary and the Houlton High School Project Graduation booth.
“One of my favorite things was that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Forestry Service really got into the spirit of the day and were there in force to talk, explain their mission and help out in any way that they were able,” Torres added.
The low cloud cover limited airplanes flying in, but those who were instrument rated and able to fly provided just enough excitement to keep the crowd happy.
“The Forest Service and the Border Patrol generated much excitement with their take-offs and landings, but the highlight of the day was the unexpected arrival of a Lear jet dropping off a visitor going to East Grand Lake,” Torres said. “The pilot stayed for about an hour and a half and talked to some of the crowd while refueling. It just proved that this is an active, working airport.”
Torres added the diversity of the crowd was impressive.
“There were many older folks who came because they had such great memories of the airport,” she said. “Families brought their children and many came because they had never been to Houlton International. In the end people were asking if there would be a second annual Wings & Wheels? That would be a very big ‘Yes!’”
