Norwood Airport To Sponsor Open House-July 27, 1972

The year was 1972, and the town of Norwood was buzzing with excitement as it prepared to celebrate its centennial anniversary. As part of this momentous occasion, the Norwood Centennial Airport Committee had planned a three-day open house event at the local airport. This grand celebration would showcase the best of aviation, entertainment, and community spirit.

The open house, scheduled to take place from July 27 to 29, promised to be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The event was designed to highlight the rich history of aviation in Norwood and provide a unique opportunity for residents to engage with the latest developments in the field. The committee had spared no effort in organizing this extravaganza, which would feature a range of activities, demonstrations, and exhibits that catered to diverse interests.

One of the main attractions at the open house was the penny-a-pound plane rides offered by both Wiggins and Cessna Aviation planes. This unique experience allowed visitors to soar through the skies while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The rides were available on all three days, with a flat rate charged for those who preferred not to disclose their weight.

In addition to the thrilling plane rides, the open house featured an impressive lineup of demonstrations and performances. On both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, spectators could witness awe-inspiring glider aerobatics and hot air balloon displays. These aerial stunts showcased the skill and precision of the pilots involved, leaving onlookers in wonder.

Another highlight of the event was a contest for hand-made model airplanes, which took place on Friday. Participants were required to submit their creations by noon, when they would be judged by George Bevilaqua of Cessna Aviation. The winner would receive a portable radio capable of picking up aircraft frequencies as a prize.

The open house also offered an opportunity for visitors to learn about aviation through educational materials provided by the Federal Aviation Agency and the Northeastern University extension school. These informative displays were available throughout the three-day event, offering insights into various aspects of aviation and its significance in modern society.

To add an element of excitement to the proceedings, the State Police would demonstrate their helicopter, while a pilot would conduct banner flying demonstrations, showcasing how banners are dropped from airplanes and picked up from the ground. Radio-controlled model airplane shows were scheduled to take place four times during Saturday and Sunday, providing entertainment for both children and adults.

Throughout the festivities, special radio communications between the control tower and aircraft in the area would be broadcast, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of air traffic control firsthand. Refreshments would also be served, ensuring that attendees remained energized throughout the event.

The Norwood Centennial Airport Committee’s open house was a testament to the town’s commitment to celebrating its rich history and promoting community engagement. By hosting this grand celebration, the committee aimed to bring residents together while showcasing the best of aviation in all its forms.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger