BUCYRUS—The second annual fly-in at Port Bucyrus Airport will promote aviation – and pay tribute to a pioneer in the field.

The fly-in, which is set for Saturday, Oct. 15, will again feature a full day of activities for young and old alike, beginning with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. But this year’s event is also designed to honor the airport’s founder, Lauretta Schimmoler.

Schimmoler, who is buried in Bucyrus’ Holy Trinity Cemetery, was the first woman in the country to manage an airport. Plans are now in the works to finally recognize her achievements by raising money for a monument at the airport, said Fred Fischer, one of the organizers.

“We just want to work in concert with the Bucyrus Historical Society and work with all the artifacts they have for Lauretta,” said Fischer, who is also heading up the fly-in. “It’s just something I’m pushing to get done to promote her accomplishments. She’s done some pretty cool things.”

Although the project is in the formative stages, Fischer said a non-profit – Lauretta Schimmoler Museum Inc. – has already been formed with a logo and a website. Initial plans call for housing a small museum in the airport’s administration building, he said.

Schimmoler will be recognized during the fly-in with a presentation on her life by Peg Ballou and the showing of the movie “Parachute Nurse,” in which she has a role. It was Schimmoler’s idea to train nurses to fly, leading to the establishment of Aerial Nurse Corps.

Plenty of planes will also be on tap, including a crop duster, an AT-6 trainer, and a TBM Avenger, a World War II Navy bomber due to arrive at 8 a.m., Fischer said. The B-25 “Champaign Gal” from Urbana, Ohio, is expected to touch down at 9 a.m., with tours following.

Helicopter rides for $50 a ticket will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and hot air balloons will be launched at 4 p.m., weather permitting. Those flying in can take shuttle buses for tours of the T & OC train station, the Copper Kettle Works, Cooper’s Market, Pickwick Place, and Crossroads Candles.

The pancake breakfast, put on by the Bucyrus Kiwanis Club, runs until noon. The meal is $8, with children under 10 eating free. In addition, the Sons of the American Legion will serve bratwurst and other food beginning at 11:00, Fischer said, and visitors can enjoy kettle corn and other fare from food trucks.

Fischer said a dedication ceremony will be held at 10:00 in front of the administration building for, the airport’s new taxiway extension. The $2.1 million improvement project, completed in August, was funded by a grant awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The fly-in runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Parking is free, but donations are being accepted for the museum project, Fischer said.

“It should be a fun-filled day for all those attending. Come out, enjoy the day, and learn a little more about aviation.”