Get Ready To Kick Off Summer 2024 with The 38th Annual Sentimental Journey Fly-In: Tuesday, June 18 – Sunday, June 23, 2024
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN — With the arrival of summer, aviation enthusiasts are gearing up for the much-anticipated 38th annual Sentimental Journey, set to take place from Tuesday, June 18th to Saturday, June 22nd, 2024. The week-long celebration promises a vibrant lineup of activities, entertainment, and community engagement.
Admission is free for children ages 12 and under all week, ages 13-17 costs $5.00, and admission for adults is $12 per day. Wednesday has been designated “Clinton County Day,” offering free admission to all Clinton County residents after 12 noon, with proof of residency. Veterans with ID will be honored on Thursday with free admission all day—a heartfelt thank-you for their service to our country. Every night after 5:00 p.m., admission is free to the community, and several must-see bands are lined up to play.
Early arrivals, including volunteers and pilots, are invited to a meet-and-greet on Monday evening at the pavilion. This is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the hard-working volunteers who helped make the Sentimental Journey a success.
In addition to the traditional fun, this year will feature a daily spot landing competition, culminating on Saturday, June 22, with the Grand Champion face-off. Spot landing is a technique used by pilots to land an aircraft on a specific target on a runway. The winner will receive half of the funds collected for entry and their name will also be featured on a plaque in the lobby of the airport for the year.
The Central PA Street Machines Car Club will host a ‘Cars & Coffee’ event on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award for their favorite vehicle, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, an Apple iPad mini equipped with ForeFlight, WiFi, and cellular (GPS) will be given away. All attendees are welcome to purchase tickets for a chance to win. Note that in order to win, you must be present for the drawing.
Evening entertainment continues throughout the week with a stellar lineup of bands from 7 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.:
– Tuesday: The Rocket Blasters will play classic rock hits spanning from the ’60s to today.
– Wednesday: The Lindy Sisters are set to enchant the audience.
– Thursday: Chris LaRose & the Hex Highway Blues Band, a crowd favorite, will return.
– Friday: Enjoy the tunes of Kristi Jean and Her Neer-Do-Wells.
-Saturday: Western Range will perform family-friendly tunes from 4 to 7:00 p.m.
A variety of food vendors will be available all week to satisfy every appetite. Phil and Sharon Hoy will also be providing complimentary coffee on Friday morning, with tickets available at the pavilion. A few of the food vendors that will set up shop are Scott’s Roasting, The Coast Bar and Restaurant, The Redneck Cafe, The Silverado, Sunset Ice Cream, and homemade lemonade.
For those searching for activities geared towards children, Tuesday through Friday at 2:00 p.m., a kiddie craft-making session will be held at the pavilion. Face painting will also be available for kids each day of the event.
Another fun activity for all ages is the golf ball drop, which is set to take place on Friday afternoon. Everyone is welcome to purchase a golf ball from the Little Yellow Cubhouse, and each golf ball will be assigned a number. The golf balls will either be dropped from the tower at the airport or possibly from one of the airplanes at the event, and the ball will land closest to the target, which will be a kiddie pool, and win a cash prize. In the past, cash prizes have rang in at an average of $800.00, so don’t miss your chance to win!
On Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the Eagle Aircraft Association (EAA) will offer free plane rides for children ages 8-17. Participants will get a bit of aircraft education and take a flight. After they fly, they will earn their Eagle Wings and receive a certificate. To join the fun with the Young Eagles, be sure to meet on the grassy area east of the Piper Aviation Museum beside the planes on Saturday.
Kids will also get their chance to participate in a paper airplane competition where they can fly their own paper airplane from the top of the tower at the airport. The cost is $1.00 per paper airplane, and the plane that lands furthest from the tower wins all proceeds. The date of this event is to be announced.
Throughout the week, the remote-controlled aircraft club “The Wings of Williamsport RC Club” will be flying their planes, which are large enough to almost be mistaken for an actual aircraft in the sky; an exciting site to see for all ages. This year, they may even put on a nighttime show.
For those inclined towards a friendly competition, cornhole boards will be set up behind the blue building throughout the week. Participants can use the provided bags or bring their own.
Camping options include underwing and tent/RV camping, with showers available on-site. Note that camping is primitive with no hook-ups, and fees are paid upon arrival. For safety and logistical reasons, the field restricts bikes, motorcycles, golf carts, and other vehicles, except those needed for mobility assistance (with proper permits and insurance).
Captain Tim Chopp and his crew are expected to arrive with their newly restored Berlin Airlift flying museum following last year’s engine trouble. Their C-54D aircraft, an expansive four-engine airplane, will be parked near the museum and open for a tour inside the plane all week long. Be sure to pay them a visit to see the impressive updates.
This year’s banquet will take place on Friday evening at the Piper Aviation Museum, and it promises a delectable meal prepared by Dave & Ruby’s Oak Grove Tavern. Organizers ask that reservations be made in advance by calling the airport at 570-893-4200 or visiting Betsy at the Little Yellow Cubhouse during the Fly-In. Betsy can also be reached at 570-660-7520. The banquet is open to the public and will feature a group of ferry pilots who will be the guest speakers. Awards will also be presented during the banquet, and attendees are encouraged to have their planes judged by placing a big card in their window, which will be available at the registration trailer.
On Sunday, June 23, breakfast will be available for pilots before they head out. The Redneck and The Silverado will be open and offering a selection of breakfast items this year.
The Sentimental Journey organization seeks donations for necessary facility improvements, including a new water heater for the shower house and a gently used truck for event operations. Contributions should be sent to Sentimental Journey, Inc., P.O. Box J3, Lock Haven, PA, 17745. Note that cash donations should be distinctly marked to avoid confusion with the Piper Airport and Museum.
Volunteers are essential for the event’s success, and this year they are desperately needed. Event coordinators are seeking volunteers to assist on the flight line of the airfield to help flag in the airplanes. According to Executive Coordinator Kim Garlick, this task is easy to learn, and most pilots flying in are already familiar with the process. Those interested in helping out for the week or even just a few hours are invited to call the airport at 570-893-4200.
The 38th annual Sentimental Journey promises a week full of camaraderie, competitions, and fun for aviation enthusiasts and community members alike. From Tuesday, June 18th to Saturday, June 22nd, Lock Haven will become a hub of activity and celebration. Bring your lawn chair, tie down your aircraft securely, and immerse yourself in the festivities. Be mindful of safety protocols, especially when it comes to children and pets, and take advantage of the resources and information available on bulletin boards around the field.
Sentimental Journey Fly-In event coordinators look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming newcomers to this cherished event.
For more information or to purchase ice during the event, visit the headquarters at the big yellow trailer beside the Little Yellow Cub House. Visit the Little Yellow Cub House for banquet tickets, golf ball purchases, and membership dues.
To contact Sentimental Journey, Inc., call: 570-893-4200
For more information, visit: https://sentimentaljourneyfly-in.com/
