Residents of Henry County and surrounding areas are invited to tour the New Castle-Henry County Municipal Airport, enjoy lunch, get a close look at airplanes that use the facility and even take to the skies for a small fee. It's all part of an open house and fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12.
The New Castle-Henry County Kiwanis Club and local airport staff are teaming up to raise money for the New Castle Miracle League and to help showcase the airport. New Castle's Miracle League provides children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball.
"We'll have meals, airplane rides and aircraft displays. There may be some other stuff going on too. There's people talking about bringing some old cars out and having them on display, but I don't know that for a fact yet," Airport Manager John Marlatt said.
Marlatt said he expects at least 10 airplanes to be on hand, but there could be several more. Participation is voluntary on the part of area aircraft owners and the weather will be a factor, he said.
"This is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis and a way to increase awareness of the airport and get people out here. A lot of people don't even know where we're at or they don't have a reason to come out here otherwise," Marlatt said.
John McCutchen, a member of the local Kiwanis Club, said 15 to 20 club volunteers will be on hand cooking and serving lunch, which will feature a hot dog or hamburger along with chips and a drink for $5.
"We pick a different non-profit organization for each fundraiser we do and this time we've decided to donate to the Miracle League. In the past we've donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters or one of the other non-profit organizations here in Henry County," McCutchen explained.
Cindy Brooks, New Castle Miracle League director, said the organization plans to use the majority of the funds raised to help build a handicap-accessible facility, including picnic areas, a concession stand and a bathroom. A small portion of funds raised during the event will help repair a leak in one of the buildings located on the Miracle League field. The league plays on the field across from New Castle High School near the intersection of Ross Street and M Avenue.
Blueprints for the handicap design came from Miracle League headquarters in Conyers, Ga. The estimated project cost is between $25,000 and $30,000, Brooks said, but that cost could vary if services are donated.
"We have a great community and a lot of people who can do things for us," she said.
Currently, the concession stand doesn't allow someone who uses a wheelchair or walker to help out because the space is so small, Brooks said. The new concession stand will be larger, as will the bathroom, which will feature space to lie down players who need to be changed.
Plane rides during the fly-in are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. The event is open to the general public and Marlatt said he hopes a large crowd shows up to make the effort a success.
"We encourage anybody who wants to to come out and visit us," Marlatt said.
The local airport is located at 2912 E. County Road 400 S., just east of Ind. 103.
McCutchen invites anyone with an interest in Kiwanis to join the group for lunch. They meet at noon every Thursday at Mancino's, 2111 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle.
For information about the New Castle Miracle League, visit www.newcastlemiracleleague.com, find them on Facebook or call (765) 524-5650. Donations can be made at Ameriana Bank.
