Weeklong aviation celebration coming to Dayton area
Grimes Field in Ohio to host events September 12 through 19
Military and civilian aircraft, hot air balloons, classic cars—Grimes Field in Urbana, Ohio, near Dayton, will offer a bit of everything for aviation enthusiasts during Champaign County Aviation Heritage Week September 12 through 19.
The aviation celebration kicks off September 12 with the Mid-Eastern Regional Fly-In (MERFI) and Car Show featuring Military Appreciation Day.
The event also will host the MERFI Air Race featuring two courses, a 150-nautical-mile course and a 50-nm course. Aircraft will be divided into categories based on horsepower and landing gear. It costs $50 to participate in the race, and pilots should plan to arrive at Grimes Field the evening of September 11. To register and learn course information, see the Sport Air Racing League website.
To entice fly-in attendees (and early arrivals), the event is offering $2 off per gallon of avgas for the first 500 gallons sold thanks to sponsor Purvis Brothers Inc.
The following weekend, the airport will host the Champaign County Annual “Hot Air Affair” Balloon Fest. The event will run from 4 to 9 p.m. September 18 and 19, featuring a kid’s area, food trucks, craft vendors, and entertainment. Balloon launches are planned for 6 p.m. and balloon glows for 8 p.m., weather permitting. According to event organizers, the winds must be 8 knots or less. The balloon festival costs $2 per adult, $1 for children 10 and up. Children under 10 years of age get in free.
During the events—or the week between the fly-in and balloon fest—visitors can learn about aviation history and aircraft restoration at the airport’s three museums.
At the Champaign Aviation Museum, watch volunteers work as they restore a Boeing B–17 Flying Fortress dubbed Champaign Lady. The museum features numerous warbirds and educational displays. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Grimes Flying Lab Museum honors the legacy of Warren G. Grimes, a pioneer in aircraft lighting. The museum features his test aircraft, the Flying Lab Beech 18 fitted with more than 75 lights. Before becoming a test bed for Grimes, the aircraft served as a C–45 in the U.S. Air Force. The museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April to October or by appointment.
The Mid America Flight Museum Restoration Hangar allows volunteers to work on current restoration projects and is typically open weekdays during normal business hours.
Grimes Field features a 4,400-foot paved Runway 02/20 and an intersecting 3,000-foot grass Runway 01/19 as well as ample parking for event attendees.
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