The Upper Cumberland Regional Airport hosts its third annual Trunk or Treat Saturday, giving kids the chance to see pilots and airplanes.
Director Dean Selby said children can walk from each plane and receive candy at decorated tables. Selby said the event exposes local children to the aviation system. Selby said it is important to plant that seed in children who might be interested in aviation.
“A lot of the kids that we see that come out have never really had an opportunity to see an airplane up close” Selby said. “So it gives them an opportunity to see what’s out here, what’s available, and what the future could hold for flying and connecting with aviation, and the aviation system across the state.”
Selby said pilots appreciate the excitement of the younger generation at the event.
“Just seeing the kids get excited and walk around and yelling at all the airplanes and going, ‘Look, look!’ That’s what the pilots get out of it, that participate and give out candy and stuff is just the interactions with the kids,” Selby said.
Selby said thousands of kids participate every year. Selby said the entrance to the airport can “bottleneck” traffic, causing road congestion and safety concerns.
“When you plan an event this size you have to prepare for large amounts of traffic,” Selby said. “The first year we did not because we were not expecting that many people. Now we have a plan together and we have participation with TDOT and the highway patrol, the local sheriffs departments of both Sparta and Cookeville, and White and Putnam County that come out and help manage that traffic flow.”
Selby said the turnout is expected to be higher this year, so more parking will be available to guests.
