News

Apr 25, 2024

Wings and Wheels returns for 12th year in Willoughby

The public was able to step onto the tarmac on Aug. 5 while vintage and modern race cars were shown alongside vintage biplanes and modern French aerobatic trainers at Lake County Executive Airport,

The public was able to step onto the tarmac on Aug. 5 while vintage and modern race cars were shown alongside vintage biplanes and modern French aerobatic trainers at Lake County Executive Airport, 1969 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby.

The annual event, now in its 12th year, lets people see a different side of the airport, which is normally closed to the public. East Coast Custard and Kiko’s Kitchen were on site selling food, while attendees relaxed next to private planes under a hangar.

Don Simonitos, a car presenter at Wings and Wheels, has been coming to similar car shows since he could drive. Today, standing next to his 1979 bright yellow Corvette with a stuffed Christmas Grinch popping out the engine, he is excited to be included in the exhibition.

“I’m a car enthusiast,” Simonitos said. “This has been going on for years. Airplanes, cars, great combination. Great way to get the community together.

“It’s not raining,” Simonitos joked. “Give me a great excuse to get out and see other people and do something. I’ve been a car enthusiast since I’ve had a license. This is a great turnout. I love the combination of airplanes and the cars, a little bit of history, little bit of nostalgia.”

According to organizers, up to 1,500 people might descend on the small airport over the course of the day. On hand to make sure everything ran smoothly was Patty Fulop, airport manager for Lake County Executive Airport.

“We invite the neighborhood to come out,” Fulop said. “Everything here is at no cost. The people of the community put up with air traffic noise and everything else, and we just want to give back a little bit. So today we got a couple hundred cars and a couple dozen aircraft and we are having a great day. I mean the temperature is perfect, we have food trucks, we have music, we’ve got people everywhere. We are just having a really fun day.”

While the day at Lake County Executive Airport was mostly sunny, clouds in another area held up one of the main events. A 1942 Douglas C-53-DO dubbed Beach City Baby, which was restored by Vintage Wings, was scheduled to make an appearance but was facing challenges getting to the airport.

“They are based over there in Franklin,” Fulop said. “They have no visibility in Franklin yet. So, they are waiting for their ceiling to lift, so that they can get here. But they said they are not going to bail and that they are still going to try. So, we are waiting for them to come. We have some other military vehicles; we’ve got some World War II reenactors here.”

Volunteers are needed throughout the afternoon, driving the elderly from the main gate, delivering water, and general cleaning. Fulop was happy that the community was able to come together to help during the day.

“The volunteers are incredible,” Fulop said. “They have been an awesome help today. So, it’s been really great. I’m really grateful for all the help we’ve had today it’s been a wonderful event.”

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