Sentimental Journey Up and Flying at Piper Airport

LOCK HAVEN – Fly-In directors could not have asked for a better day than Tuesday to get the 33rd annual Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven off the ground.

The day was marked by clear blue skies, temperatures in the low 80s and dozens and dozens of early fly-in arrivals waiting their turns to go air-born. The weather looks, for the most part promising through the event’s final day, Saturday, June 23 at William T. Piper Memorial Airport.

Featured plane this year is the Piper PA-11 Cub Special, but as always fly-in officials welcome all makes and models. Among the highlights is the return of The Spirit of Freedom, a Douglas C54 that was used in the Berlin Airlift and now serves as a flying museum. The plane tells the story of the dire situation of the Soviet blockade of West Berlin and the massive effort in manpower, material and logistics that took place to ensure the viability of the millions of citizens in West Berlin trying to rebuild their city and their lives following the end of World War II. The plane is parked adjacent to the Piper Museum at the airport’s west end and is open to visitors (there is an admission charge).

This year’s Sentimental Journey concludes with the annual awards banquet at 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be nightly entertainment and admission to the general public is free after 5 p.m. each day.