The inaugural Crosswind Classic will take place this Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Baxter County Airport, bringing together aviation enthusiasts and the local community for a day filled with engaging events.
The Crosswind Classic is set to include an aviation static display featuring general aviation aircraft, experimental planes, and historic warbirds. Attendees can also enjoy an aviation-themed poker run, a car show, live music, a kid-friendly zone, and a variety of food trucks.
Taylor Carmichael, the Baxter County Airport Director, expressed excitement about hosting the first event of this kind at the local airport. Carmichael noted that the recent growth at the airport—fueled by over $2.5 million in investments—has facilitated the construction of new hangars and plans for a future runway expansion, which aim to attract more aviation business and potentially make the airport suitable for commuter services.
The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a coffee and donut social hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 775 at the Bayird Aviation Fixed Base Operator (FBO) location. A safety briefing for poker run participants will follow shortly thereafter.
Admission and parking for the event are free. Pilots entering the poker run must pre-register and pay a $30 fee, which includes a meal token for one food truck. Aircraft static display participants are also required to pre-register with a $25 fee.
Rylan Wynn, an Air Force veteran who oversees fueling and towing operations at the airport, highlighted the family-friendly nature of the event and encouraged participation from community members of all ages.
For additional information, registration, or questions, individuals can reach the Crosswind Classic directors at 870-481-5418 (Carmichael), 417-989-1021 (Wynn), or 405-626-1386 (Bill Holland). Alternatively, inquiries can be sent to crosswindclassic@gmail.com.