Pilots from throughout the northwest – and beyond – are invited to “flock” to the Willapa Harbor Airport (2S9) Saturday, August 9 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). The promise of fresh succulent Willapa Bay Oysters beckons private pilots to the fifth annual Oyster Feed Fly-in sponsored by the EAA Willapa Harbor Pilots Association chapter.
Previous fly-ins attracted as many as 22 aircraft from throughout Washington State, California, Nevada and Canada. The hungry pilots typically consume more than 300 oysters while swapping tales, showing off their proud flying machines and enjoying a special brand of camaraderie unique to aviation buffs.
Willapa Harbor Airport fly-ins have drawn exotic vintage aircraft as well as modern aircraft, with homebuilt models always favorites. The greatest attention getters were two Nanchang CJ-6s, Russian designed trainers built in China, a two-seat plane in which fledgling pilots train prior to entering high performance fighter jets.
The oysters are expertly prepared by a professional chef from a portable kitchen. Long rows of tables and chairs will be set up in the large airplane hangar by local youth volunteers.