BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus Airport is expanding its annual fall gathering into a three-day celebration from Sept. 17–19, combining historic aviation milestones, leadership presentations, and family-friendly activities.

Now in its sixth year, the annual Fly-In Pancake Breakfast is scaling up as part of America 250 observances, highlighted by a visit from retired Air Force Col. Kim “KC” Campbell and the dedication of a new monument honoring pioneer aviator Lauretta Schimmoler.

Schimmoler established the nation’s first female-acquired and female-managed airport and flight school at the Bucyrus location. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, officials will dedicate a 14-foot black granite monument in her honor near the new terminal building.

Special guest Kim Campbell, an A-10 Warthog pilot with over 100 combat missions who safely landed a severely damaged aircraft over Baghdad in 2003, will speak at multiple events throughout the weekend:

  • Thursday, Sept. 17 (6 p.m.): A public dinner and presentation at The Venue at Old 30 BBQ. Tickets are $35 and include a barbecue buffet.
  • Friday, Sept. 18 (9:30 a.m.): An address to area high school juniors and seniors at Bucyrus High School.
  • Friday, Sept. 18 (1:30 p.m.): A business leadership presentation on the second floor of Hord Livestock’s corporate office.

The weekend culminates on Saturday, Sept. 19, with the main Fly-In event running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Highlights include:

  • 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Hot air balloon launches (weather permitting).
  • 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Pancake breakfast.
  • All Day: Rides on a rare, restored Ford Tri-Motor passenger plane provided by the Liberty Aviation Museum ($100 for adults, $75 for children).
  • Family Activities: A car show, flea market, food trucks, free bounce houses, a agricultural “corn box,” pedal planes, and barrel train rides for children.

Event details, ticket purchases for the dinner and leadership sessions, and breakfast tickets are available online at Lauretta Schimmoler Museum. Proceeds support the museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.