FAMILY DAY @ the jetport makes its return on October 9

SANFORD, N.C. - After attracting 3,500 people in its inaugural run, FAMILY DAY @ the jetport is poised to become even larger this year.

The festival will return on Oct. 9 with another full day of aviation-related activities and special events at Raleigh Exec: The Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County.

Dan Swanson, airport manager for Raleigh Exec, says the governing board recently approved this year's event and intends to make Family Day an annual fixture on the local calendar.

"This year's Family Day will be even bigger and better than before," says Swanson. "By the time we decided to do it last year, we were fairly close to the date. For it to be as successful as it was is a testament to the people working on the project.

"We've been planning this one ever since last year's ended. Now, we're working on getting commitments from organizations that are already enthusiastic about participating."

Swanson says visitors can expect a similar mix of plane rides, aircraft on display and children's activities.

Last year's inaugural run turned the airport grounds into a full-fledged happening - with free airplane rides sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program for children ages 8 to 17, food vendors, bounce houses for children and special exhibits sponsored by many local and regional organizations.

Best of all, festival admission and parking will remain free.

One goal of Family Day was to draw area residents to an airport they may not know much about. Based on the reaction of last year's guests, it's working.

"We heard great comments nonstop, all day," Swanson says. "I can't tell you how many times we heard people say they didn't even know we had an airport in Lee County and they couldn't believe how nice it is. We want everyone to see the airport, have plenty of fun and maybe even get interested in flying themselves."

More details about FAMILY DAY @ the jetport - including the exact time, sponsors and major attractions - will be announced early this summer.

Raleigh Exec: The Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County is located at 700 Rod Sullivan Road, just off of U.S. Highway 1 at Exit 76 (Farrell Road), about 20 miles southwest of Cary.