Flying machines, food trucks and families will be sharing the flightline at San Martin Airport on May 21 during The Food Truck Fly-In, a free community event of food, aircraft displays, aviation centered entertainment and live music. This event is a repeat of last year’s event, which drew more than 2,500 attendees, says a press release from 111th Aerial & Architectural Photography.
“This is another great opportunity for the public to mix with the pilot community in a day of flying fun, food and festivities at this South County airfield,” said Niki Britton, co-organizer of the event. “This invitation comes with the hope of showing our neighbors the importance of having an airport in our community.”
Joe McMurray, another co-organizer of the May 21 event, said, “Often the community outside the airport gates can miss that importance. San Martin Airport has served as a staging area for CalFire helicopters during fire season, youngsters from Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy have been given free flights at the airport through the Young Eagles program, and DART (Disaster Airlift Response Team) made up of pilots from San Martin Airport has been staying prepared to help in the event of a disaster by being able to fly supplies into or out of our community.”
People coming to this family-friendly event are invited to walk the flightline of parked aircraft on display. Businesses that are based at the airport including skydiving, flight instruction and Gavilan College’s aircraft maintenance school will be there to answer questions. A variety of locally owned and operated food trucks will be offering a delicious and diverse mix of foods available for purchase, the press release continues.
“Those of us who fly want to share our love for the airport,” said Britton. “We look forward to seeing many of the airport’s neighbors and friends joining us for a full day of aviation activities.”
“All profits from the event will go toward aviation-centered scholarships sponsored by South County Airport Pilots Association (SCAPA),” said Britton.
In addition to the fun on the airfield, the Wings of History Aircraft Museum, just across the street from the airport, will be open to enjoy for a small donation for entry. Plus, adults can relax in a wine garden at the museum, sponsored by the Gilroy Rotary, featuring the wines from local wineries.
And in a salute to Armed Forces Day, the event has welcomed Eagle Field Foundation’s collection of military vehicles so attendees young and old can enjoy a hands-on experience to see and touch the moving military artifacts from WW1 to present day, organizers said.
Anyone interested in driving in should take the San Martin Ave exit off Hwy 101 and head west. Signs will direct attendees to free parking. Flying in? The San Martin airport’s identifier is E16. Transient parking is located at the south end of the airfield.
The Food Truck Fly-In is scheduled to take place 10am-3pm May 21. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page: https://tinyurl.com/ycy9vhhu.
