Rally rocks Airportfest

September 24, 2011 By Mike Collins

Persistent rain showers did not dampen the spirits of AOPA Aviation Summit guests attending Rock ‘n Rally at Hartford-Brainard Airport on Sept. 23. The event was part of Summit’s Airportfest.

Guests were able to sample a variety of cuisine from several Hartford restaurants, which served their specialties to pilots from around the country.

The music of Connecticut band Out of Touch occasionally was accented by the sounds of aircraft departing the airport. Among the couples dancing to the band’s classic rock and soul tunes were Gene and Laura Poppel of Pottstown, Pa.—newlyweds who were married only five days earlier.

Signs welcome visitors to Rock n Rally

Couples dance during a break in the rain

Early diners enjoy food and appetizers

AOPA President Craig Fuller talks with a guest

The band Out of Touch plays for the crowd

AirportFests Rock n Rally winds down

Newlyweds Laura and Gene Poppel dance

Mike Collins

Technical Editor

Mike Collins, AOPA technical editor and director of business development, died at age 59 on February 25, 2021. He was an integral part of the AOPA Media team for nearly 30 years, and held many key editorial roles at AOPA Pilot, Flight Training, and AOPA Online. He was a gifted writer, editor, photographer, audio storyteller, and videographer, and was an instrument-rated pilot and drone pilot.

Go to Mike Collins's Profile

Rally rocks Airportfest

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