A 50th anniversary celebration for California’s Catalina Island Airport in the Sky (AVX) is slated for Oct. 18.
Up until 1959, the Airport in the Sky was only available to those who leased land and facilities from the Santa Catalina Island Co. But in October 1959, that all changed when 40 privately owned planes were flown in to start a new era for private pilots, according to officials with the Catalina Island Conservancy, which is sponsoring the celebration
During the celebration, landing fees will be rolled back to 1959 prices –$3, conservancy officials said. There will be an all-day barbecue on the patio featuring Skyburgers, buffalo burgers, veggie burgers, beans, cole slaw, cookies, lemonade and iced tea.
There also will be presentations on the history of Catalina Island aviation, as well as vintage airplanes on display. Guided hikes and Jeep Eco-Tours of the island also will be offered. Live music will be provided by airport’s house band, “Hot Off the Range.”
The Nature Preserve of the Catalina Island Conservancy spans 42,000 acres of wildlands. It is home to more than 50 species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, conservancy officials note.
For more information: Event.pingg.com/Airport50th, CatalinaConservancy.org or 310-510-0143.
