The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The crowd was hopping early at the Fifth Annual Sisters Eagle Airport 4th of July Fly-In and Car Show. By 8 a.m. the runway was lined with planes. Classic and unique cars dating back to 1914 and running clear up to the newest Tesla models stood proud in the Sisters sun.

Sisters Eagle Airport is celebrating 80 years this year - originally built and opened by George Wakefield in 1936.

"We are glad to use this community asset for this fun community event," said airport owner Benny Benson.

The morning kicked off with an emotional flag drop brought in by Skydive Awesome! co-owner and instructor Ryan Scothern. One onlooker said watching the flag coming in from the sky - coupled with the playing of the National Anthem - brought tears to her eyes.

Scothern has jumped over 8,000 times and is no stranger to carrying the flag. The drop at this event was from 5,000 feet - much lower than the normal 10,000 foot drop

"I have jumped into rodeos, high school graduations, football games and even people's backyards - if they are big enough," he said. "My favorite was when I was dressed as a mascot - a hawk - and jumped into the stadium carrying the flag.

"I love the freedom (of the jump)," says Scothern. "All my worries melt away."

Following the introduction of the flag there was a flyover on the runway followed by a drag car leading the charge of the Fly.Drive.Run. 5K race benefitting the Sisters Outlaw Swim Club.

"We had 44 racers this year," said race volunteer Michael Robillard.

Sisters resident Josh Nordell took home top honors in the men's category and Rima Givot, a cross-country coach and science teacher at Sisters High School, was first for the ladies.

There was plenty to munch on while folks experienced this slice of American culture. Deri Frazee and her daughter Chloe were in charge of the coffee, with a portion of the proceeds donated back to the Outlaw Aviation Program. Sisters Rotarians provided a pancake breakfast and hamburgers for lunch for purchase. By 9:30 a.m. they were running low on pancakes.

"Lunch starts at 11," said Benson with a smile on his face.

Many of the businesses housed at the airport were on hand to showcase their unique products and talk about what they do.

Marc Edmonds of LightSport USA had his LightSport Aircraft available to look at and check out.

"This is a unique aircraft - brought in fully assembled from the Czech Republic," said Edmonds. "It only takes 20 hours to get licensed to fly one, and you don't need a medical."

As onlookers arrived they were able to stroll through close to 100 cars. The Godspeed Car Club and its dozen members - most from Sisters - were there to showcase their cars. Club members get together monthly to talk about their cars, but more importantly talk about reaching people in the community and being a positive influence through their unique vehicles.

"This is one of my favorite events as far as car shows go," said Godspeed member Erik Himbert. "There are cool cars, cool people, airplanes, and skydivers. It's just fun - a slice of Americana."

Local Sisters resident Gary Frazee had his 1970 Chevy C-10 pick-up at the event.

"Fixing this truck up was a promise I made to my stepdad of 36 years as he was passing away," said Frazee. "I've been working on this truck for 16 years and finally finished it. I've only driven it three or four times now that it's done; this is its first show."

The day wrapped up with a series of drag races.

With the mountains as the backdrop, kids young and old had smiles on their faces watching the planes land throughout the day.

Benson said, "We are proud to be able to host this community event that brings people together."