After a one- year hiatus, Sequim Valley Airport once again opens its runway to the Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire and Sequim Valley Fly-In this weekend.
As tradition, antique planes and classic cars will be on display along with several opportunities to ride in planes, helicopters and a tethered hot air balloon from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the airport, 468 Dorothy Hunt Lane off Old Olympic Highway.
Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell/ Plane, helicopter and tethered hot air balloons will be available for a fee or donation at the Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire and Sequim Valley Fly-In on Aug. 24.
Admission is $10 for each carload to the event, and $5 for car show participants. Rides are on a first come, first served basis for a fee or donation.
“There’s something for everyone,” says co-organizer Emily Westcott.
“It’s a family event that’s economical.”
Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Helicopter, plane, and tethered hot air balloons will be available for a fee or donation at the Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire and Sequim Valley Fly-In on Aug. 24. Seen here is one of Seattle Air Taxi’s helicopters.
The Air Affaire, now in its 10th year, started in 2013 as a joint celebration for the City of Sequim’s centennial year and the airport’s 30th anniversary. Organizers paused for a year in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2023 due to anticipated construction at the airport.
Tethered balloon rides through Captain Crystal Stout’s nonprofit all-ability and age inclusive Dream Catcher program will begin at 7:30 a.m. and go tentatively through late morning, depending on weather.
Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell/ Emily Westcott, co-organizer and founder of the Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire and Sequim Valley Fly-In, talks with a pilot at a previous year’s event. It returns on Aug. 24. “There’s something for everyone,” she said.
Two pilots will offer rides for a fee, including Dave Woodcock flying his historic 1944 Piper Cub L-4H, and Keith Kossuth in his 1929 Travel Air Plane.
Seattle Air Taxi plans to bring two helicopters as well, Westcott said.
Throughout the event, live music will be playing, and food and drinks from the Sequim Valley Lions, Frugal’s and Domino’s will be available. Various vendors will be on hand including aircraft crafts, and a remote control airplane simulator.
Along with the various classic vehicles at the show and shine, Clallam County Fire District 3 will bring a fire truck, the U.S. Coast Guard is anticipated to do a fly by, and the Port Townsend Aero Museum will fly in antique airplanes
Westcott said if weather is poor, some planes will be on display outside of the nearby hangars for viewing.
She said the event continues with support from local families and community agencies who provide sponsorships, in kind donations and/or discounts on services.
Entry to the event is cash only. For more information, visit olympicpeninsulaairaffaire.com.
Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire and Sequim Valley Fly-In
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Sequim Valley Airport, 468 Dorothy Hunt Lane, Sequim
Admission: $10 per car load; Car show $5 to participate.
Features: Plane, helicopter and tethered hot air balloon rides for various fees; various airplanes to view, music, food, vendors, more
For more info: olympicpeninsulaairaffaire.com
