A little rain Saturday did not stop the community from celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Suwannee County Airport.
Hundreds showed up to enjoy airplane rides, hot air balloon rides, and other activities throughout the day.
Bobby and Amy Sansouci enjoyed the activities despite the rain.
“Local events like these keep getting better and better,” Bobby Sansouci said. “Our kids got to go on the plane ride. They took them 1300 feet in the air. I’d recommend this to anyone for next year.”
Nancy Minton was impressed with the turnout.
“Even with the bad weather, a lot of people came out,” she said. “It is great when we can support the city.”
Allen Rice is President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Live Oak. He said the event was held to promote an interest in aviation in Live Oak.
“What we’re trying to do is promote the aviation industry here in Live Oak,” Rice said. “To get more people into flying, aviation services, and maintenance, trying to increase the economic base here in town.”
Rice said that the airport is planning to extend the runway to bring in more jet traffic.
“Bigger corporations can start flying jets in here and base them in Live Oak,” he said. “It can add a lot of jobs to the economy.”