Bayport Aerodrome Society Thanks Community with Free Picnic

More than 400 people attended Bayport Aerodrome Society's Annual Neighborhood Picnic this weekend. Traditionally held the first Sunday in August, the free event is the society's way of thanking the local community for allowing them to continue operating nearby.

Visitors enjoyed a guided tour of the hangars, flying demonstrations, flights in the antique aircraft and barbequed food. "It's a throwback in time (watching these antique planes fly)", one spectator commented, "Every time I come down here it reminds me of my childhood."

The Aerodrome Society is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1972. Membership is composed of aviation professionals and those interested in preserving aviation history. Designated a historic landmark in 2008, it is not only a living aviation museum, it is the only public airport on Long Island to still have grass runways. "Most of the people in Bayport love it. I mean, how many people get to sit out in their backyard and watch a bi-plane go by overhead? It's 62 acres of pristine land. There's foxes here, deer, owls, we're like a preserve," said a Bayport resident.

Gorgeous weather allowed the aviators to take many people up on scenic flights out over Fire Island. First time flier Elizabeth Birdsall was elated after her ride, "It was an experience of a lifetime," she said.

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