Father’s Day is this weekend (I thought you might appreciate the reminder), which means it is time for the Olympic Air Show hosted by the Olympic Flight Museum.
Proceeds from the air show keep the aircraft at the museum flying. The air show and museum are located on the east side of Olympia Regional Airport on Old Highway 99.
Beginning in 1998, the Olympic Flight Museum hosted its first aviation event, The Gathering of the Warbirds. Classified as a “fly in,” this initial event did not feature aerobatic performances, but rather a casual warbird flying (low passes, some formation, etc.) without closed air space.
In 2001, the museum applied for and received permission by the Federal Aviation Authority to create and oversee closed airspace to allow for aerobatic flying at the annual event. The name of the event was also changed to the Olympic Air Show.
In years past, there were ten designated air shows/flying events in Western Washington however, due to costs and other factors, only three flying events are left in Western Washington: Arlington, Tacoma, and Olympia. The 2023 Olympic Air Show (which celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year) is one of the largest events in Thurston County.
“Did you know the area of the airport used to be a P-38 base during World War II?” said Kyle Baxter, Museum Administrator. “It sure was and very hush-hush, well we just so happen to have a P-38 returning to OLM (that is the Olympia Regional Airport's identifier) for this year’s airshow”.
According to Baxter, the Olympic Flight Museum was established in 1998 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and flying vintage aircraft.
“The museum was founded with the goal of bringing people together to relive, recollect and learn about aviation history,” said Baxter. “Our mission is to deliver the sights, sounds, smells, and excitement of flight to every museum visitor.”
In addition to hosting the air show, the museum features both flying and static aircraft as well as offering community events with the goal of sharing the historical significance of aviation both in the military and civilian sectors. “The museum started as a hangar at the Olympia Regional Airport with some aircraft that belonged to their benefactor Brian Reynolds, said Baxter. “It has always been a working hangar and museum, meaning most of our aircraft fly.”
The museum partners with the Civil Air Patrol to offer educational programs throughout the year, such as low-cost field trips for schools to get young people interested in aviation. “We strive to further the amazement and wonder of flight,” said Baxter. “Not too many people are amazed that we are able to fly even though when you think about it, we really shouldn’t be able to do that. Gravity, weight, and drag make for big obstacles to take flight. Every take off is optional but landing is mandatory”. The museum keeps the admission fee low so all can partake in not only aviation history but the Olympia airport. “We want EVERYONE to be excited about aviation or at least have the opportunity to experience it on some level,” said Baxter.
Everyone is welcome to visit the museum, which is open on Saturdays and Sundays, or you may choose to plan your next event or party in our hangar.
The museum also needs volunteers if you are interested. “Unfortunately, COVID hurt our WWII population, so we are now having to pivot to more emphasis on the Vietnam era and would love to have our Military vets come in and tell their stories,” said Baxter. “If you can only spare a short amount of time, that’s OK we would love to record your stories and incorporate them into the Museum.”
Monday is Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day or also known as Freedom Day. Juneteenth is a federal holiday (no mail today) that commemorates Major General Gordon Granger issuing the order proclaiming freedom for all African American slaves in Texas. Two nonprofit organizations are hosting events this weekend to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth as well as to create community camaraderie.
Soliciting your ideas
Let me know if you know of a nonprofit doing something great, celebrating a success, needing some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!
Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com
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Terrilovesanimals
Thank you for this article and info!!
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Report this