Aviation Heritage Park Hangar Party draws record crowd celebrating local aviation history

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – The sound of aircraft engines and conversations between pilots, veterans and families filled the hangar at the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport as the Aviation Heritage Park celebrated its 20th annual Hangar Party.

The annual fundraiser brought together more than 750 people this year, marking a record turnout for the event, according to organizers.

Bob Pitchford, chairman of the Hangar Party committee, said the support from the community continues to grow.

“We’re very, very happy that over 750 people came to enjoy this night with us,” Pitchford said. “We’ve had a great evening, a wonderful dinner. We’ve had some outstanding aircraft and the conversation has been incredible.”

The event highlights aviation history while honoring local pilots and veterans whose stories are preserved through the Aviation Heritage Park’s aircraft displays.

Pilot and aircraft owner Rick Gilbride traveled from Georgia to bring his 1952 Cessna 195 to the event. Gilbride said the aircraft has become a way to connect with people who share his passion for flying.

“This is what flying is all about to come and meet these people,” Gilbride said.

Gilbride said he enjoys seeing younger generations experience aviation for the first time.

“I don’t know if you saw, but kids were getting in there and they were sitting and they were having fun, and mom and dad were taking pictures,” Gilbride said.

For him, sharing that excitement is part of what makes aviation special.

“If I can express that level of enjoyment to young people, even if it’s just… they’ve done it once,” Gilbride said. “That’s well worth it, I think.”

The Hangar Party also gives the community a chance to learn more about aviation opportunities in the area.

Justin Tidwell, owner of Flywheel Aviation, said events like this help introduce more people to the airport and the aviation industry.

“Not only does it really showcase the AHP, but it also showcases aviation and general aviation as a whole,” Tidwell said.

Tidwell said many people do not realize what resources are available locally.

“A lot of people don’t realize that the Bowling Green airport is here, and so it really gets to show everybody what we have to offer as a community,” he said.

Organizers say proceeds from the Hangar Party help support the Aviation Heritage Park and its mission of preserving local aviation history.

Pitchford said seeing families, pilots and visitors come together is what makes the event special.

“We love it when the young people join us in the love of aviation,” Pitchford said.