Kent State Presents Its 17th Aviation Heritage Fair on Sept. 14

Kent State University’s 17th Aviation Heritage Fair will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Kent State University Airport, located at 4020 Kent Road in Stow, Ohio. The fair, a celebration of aviation education past, present and future, is presented by Kent State’s Aeronautics Program with support from the Cleveland Airport System, Parker Hannifin and Ron Marhofer.

“The Aviation Heritage Fair opens the airport to the public and supports aviation education, as well as a celebration of the heritage of aviation and public outreach,” said Richard Mangrum, Ed.D., associate professor of aeronautics at Kent State.

This year, the fair will feature two World War II veterans as speakers – Robert Withee, a World War II fighter pilot from Jackson Township, Ohio, and Ralph Lynn, World War II B-24 pilot from Perry Township, Ohio.

There will be static displays of several aircraft including a B-25, the Heritage Air Museum’s C-123 Provider, an SNJ, the Cleveland Clinic’s helicopter and Cessna Citation, SkyFox 8, Castle Aviation Cessna Caravan and more.

“The Aviation Heritage Fair is special amongst other local activities because it is not just any public event; all the proceeds go toward funding scholarships,” Mangrum said. “This year marks the award of the first endowed Aviation Heritage Fair Scholarship, as well as the continuation of the Stow-Munroe Kiwanis Club scholarship.”

Kent State’s Aeronautics Program also is involved with the Six District Educational Compact. This collaboration allows for university involvement in the Aviation Career Academy, housed in the Stow-Munroe Falls High School, where students can earn college credit toward an aviation degree at Kent State while still in high school.

Event admission and parking are free. Airplane rides will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are $25 per person or $70 per group of three. Those interested in airplane rides must register at the sign-up tent upon arrival. Food and beverages will be available for sale throughout the day.

The fair will begin with a traditional pancake breakfast hosted by the Stow-Munroe Kiwanis Club. Tickets for the breakfast are $6. The fair will take place rain or shine, although some events are subject to change due to inclement weather.

The Kent State Aeronautics Program alumni golf outing will take place on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Kent State Golf Course as part of events marking the Aviation Heritage Fair. Interested alumni should contact Kent State Associate Professor Tim Palcho at tpalcho@kent.edu.

For more information about the Aviation Heritage Fair, visit www.kentstateaviationheritagefair.org.

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Photo Caption:
Kent State University’s 17th Aviation Heritage Fair takes place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Kent State University Airport, located at 4020 Kent Road in Stow, Ohio. The fair is a celebration of aviation education past, present and future.

Media Contacts:
Richard Mangrum, rmangrum@kent.edu, 330-672-1933
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595