Reading Regional Airport, 2501 Bernville Road, Reading, will hold an open house on Saturday, Oct. 11, to celebrate 75 years of air service. The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will focus on the 1930s and ’40s through period airplanes, vehicles and other displays. Attendees are encouraged to wear vintage clothing as they step back in time to 1939.
This weekend’s extensive celebration is a contrast to the 50th anniversary event in 1989, said Terry Sroka, airport manager. That, he noted, “was a small event, just some local dignitaries and a high school band. It was pretty low key.”
As planning began for this year’s anniversary, officials decided to take their cue from the original opening ceremony on October 7, 1939, which records indicate drew in an impressive 100 thousand attendees. On that day, Sroka added, officials flew into the new Reading airport on two DC-3 airplanes.
On Oct. 11 two DC-3s – the American Airline Flagship Detroit and a Pan-Am Airline DC-3 – will be at the Reading airport. These planes were a crucial part of the 1930s and 40s air traffic system. “There were one of the first airplanes used as airlines,” Sroka explained, and visitors to the anniversary event will be given tours of the planes by guides dressed in 1940s attire.
The event will also include C-47s or “goonie birds,” planes used to transport troops during World War II. Representatives from Mid Atlantic Air Museum, Reading, will have exhibits on display. A Kids Corner will include painted airplanes and other craft options as well as stories for the children.
Owners of cars from the same time period (1938-1948) have been invited to show their vintage vehicles at the event. Guests will be asked to vote for their favorites, and three vehicle will be named “People Choice” winners.
The evening will continue with a reception and dinner dance in the Old City Hanger. This popular event, featuring live big-band music, is now sold out.
All open house activities will be held in the airport’s original hanger, first dedicated in 1939. The Reading Regional Airport opened 75 years ago through joint efforts of city officials and the federal government. Two airlines, Eastern and Capital, flew out of the facility at that time. Today, the airport offers charter services to chosen destinations as well as charter trips to Disney World/Orlando on Southwest Airlines.
Most of the anniversary events will be offered free of charge to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase. In addition, rides in a vintage aircraft will be offered for an additional fee. For details on any part of this event, readers may contact the Reading Regional Airport at 610.372.4666.
