Explore Santa Monica Airport at its second annual free Open House next Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests will enjoy touring the largest single open space in the city of Santa Monica and go back in time to when the Barnstormers and Wing Walkers of the 1920’s celebrated our romance with flight at the Museum of Flying.
Take a self-guided walking tour, and be sure to include the guided mini-bus tour of the active air field perimeter and learn about Santa Monica’s rich aviation heritage.
Perhaps, the most fascinating things to see are the vintage and modern aircraft, including a fully restored Boeing PT-17 Stearman and North American SNJ Harvard. Pilots will be standing by to share the stories of these planes and their own ‘cockpit’ experiences.
A great place to screen aviation films, the Museum of Flying also offers a remarkable hands-on experience for visitors to pilot a Flight Simulator.
At the Open House, the public will have its first glimpse of a newly commissioned museum mural by legendary aviation artist and historian, Mike Machat who will be there working on his mural, entitled “Fly Douglas,” which pays tribute to the Douglas Aircraft Company that once called Santa Monica Airport its home.
Visitors will also meet flying enthusiasts from the Emergency Volunteer Air Corps (EVAC) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EEA) which champions aviation innovation. However, a real highlight will be meeting pilots of the The Ninety-Nines.
Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia Earhart, the organization’s first president, fly “for the fun of it!”
The Santa Monica Art Studios’ Arena1 Gallery will feature an exhibition of contemporary art as well as hosting a hands-on art activity area for children to make and display their own airport inspired masterpieces.
The new Pilot’s Passport activity, printed on the Self-Guided Tour map, encourages kids and their parents to explore the airport campus and collect stamps at key fun destination points. Collect all five for a free prize! And, to add just a little more drama and comedy, The Ruskin Group Theater will be open with information on upcoming performances and discount tickets.
Two great on-site restaurants, Typhoon and the Spitfire Grill, will be open for delicious dining. But, if you can’t wait to sit down, S’cream Ice Cream Truck will be on hand with organic ice cream treats.
Who: General Public
What: 2nd Annual Santa Monica Open House
Where: Santa Monica Airport, Airport Drive between Centinela and Walgrove Aves.
When: September 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free Admission, parking and bike valet
For more information contact Kate Schlesinger at 310.458.8591 or airport@smgov.net . For directions visit www.smgov.net/departments/airport, and keep up to date as the event approaches at http://www.facebook.com/SantaMonicaAirportOpenHouse.
