Reliever Airports gear up for summer events

After most Reliever Airport events were shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer community events at the MAC's six reliever airports are back this year beginning with Father's Day fly-ins and pancake breakfasts June 20th at our Crystal and Lake Elmo airports.

The popular community events are one of the best opportunities for the MAC to connect with its neighbors and airport users. While the pandemic significantly curtailed traffic at MSP Airport, operations at our Reliever Airports actually increased 2 percent in 2020.

And they continue to buzz with activity in 2021. The following is a list of upcoming community events:

Crystal Airport Open House and Fly-In
Sunday, June 20, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
5800 Crystal Airport Road, Crystal
This event features airplane and helicopter rides, several activities for children, and a warbird flyover at high noon.   

• Crystal Lions Club Pancake Breakfast featuring Papa's Cafe Pancake Batter. $8 per person; 3 and under are free. 8 a.m. to noon.
• Aircraft and other displays, airplane and helicopter rides, and children's activities. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Lunch served by Westphal American Legion: hot dog or brat, chips and beverage for $5. Noon.
• Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the NEAR Food Shelf.
• Contact luke@twintownps.com or david.cummings@crystalmn.gov for more information. 

Lake Elmo Airport – Father's Day Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, June 20, 8 a.m. to noon
3275 Manning Ave., Lake Elmo
This yearly pancake breakfast is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Saint Croix Squadron of the Minnesota Civil Air Patrol,  which assists U.S. communities with search and rescue efforts and promotes aviation and youth activities.

• Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, this year's event will feature drive-through service from the MAC building at the South entrance of Lake Elmo Airport. 
• For $10, patrons will receive a to-go pack of three pancakes, two sausages, scrambled eggs, butter and syrup along with pre-packaged milk or juice.
• Typically, about 600 breakfasts are served.
• For more information, contact Major Mike Bordonaro, the Saint Croix Squadron commander

Airlake Airport – Lions Fly-In Breakfast
Sunday, July 11, 8 a.m. to noon
8140 220th St. W., Lakeville
Flyers from throughout Minnesota attend this event sponsored by the Lions Club. Weather permitting, the Minnesota Commemorative Air Force will fly in the "pride of the fleet" – a WWII-era B-25J Mitchell (Miss Mitchell).

• Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, assorted pastries, Starbuck's coffee, milk and orange juice; $12 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. 
• The fly-in breakfast is held alongside Lakeville's week-long Pan-O-Prog festival. 

Flying Cloud Airport – Air Expo
Saturday & Sunday, July 24 &25
10110 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie
More than 30 vintage aircraft will be on display at this popular event sponsored by Wings of the North (WOTN) group of aircraft enthusiasts.

• Tickets are $20 for adults if purchased in advance or at the WOTN Museum; $25 at the gate. Tickets for children 6 to 17 are $7, kids 5 and under are free. Click here for tickets.
• Plane rides and a giant hangar of exhibitors
• Pancake breakfasts Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Flying Cloud Airport – Girls in Aviation Day
Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
10110 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie
This event is designed to get girls ages 8 to 17 interested in aviation careers. The event typically draws more than 2,000 people each year. It is sponsored by the Stars of the North chapter of Women in Aviation International.

• There is no cost to attend
• Several food trucks will be on site to purchase food and beverages.