Costumed children and their families poured into Baxter County Airport on Halloween afternoon for the inaugural Treats on the Tarmac, an event organized by local pilots, airport tenants, and the airport’s management team. Officials estimate more than 3,000 attendees participated in the two-hour celebration, which featured candy giveaways, photo opportunities, and hands-on experiences with aircraft.
“This turnout was incredible, and it was great to see so many families come out and experience their airport,” said Airport Director Taylor Carmichael. “I’m grateful to our Baxter County Airport tenants and neighboring aviation partners from The Valley Airpark, Gaston’s, and Sharp County for their support.”
A lineup of planes was stationed along the terminal ramp, where pilots handed out candy to children who could climb into cockpits, chat with aviators, and pose for photos. The unexpected crowd pushed organizers to make several "treat relays" to restock candy supplies, while volunteers kept the event running smoothly.
Members of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Chapter 775, Valley Airpark pilots, and the Midway Volunteer Fire Department, along with other local aviation partners, contributed to the effort. Carmichael noted that events like these are part of a broader mission to raise awareness of the airport’s value to the community beyond its aviation functions, such as facilitating medical flights and supporting the local economy.
The Halloween celebration wasn’t the only activity at the airport that day. Hours earlier, 18 young people participated in a Young Eagles rally hosted by EAA Chapter 775 with additional support from Chapter 1718 in Cherokee Village. Seven aircraft were flown by participating pilots, offering free flights to children aged 8 to 17. Participants came from Mountain Home as well as other Arkansas towns, including Leslie, Austin, Elizabeth, and Evening Shade. Families from as far away as Plano, Texas, and Pittsburg, Kansas, also traveled for the experience.
Each Young Eagles participant had the opportunity to take a 15- to 20-minute flight, where they could even try basic aircraft controls under the pilot’s supervision. They received aviation logbooks, completion certificates, free EAA student memberships, and access to online learning courses.
“This is our second Young Eagles rally this year at Baxter County Airport providing this free aviation experience,” said Bill Holland, president of Chapter 775. “This year, a total of 31 Young Eagles were flown by our chapter, many experiencing flight for the first time.” Holland noted that more rallies are planned for 2027, with dates to be announced in the spring.
The EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has provided flights to more than 2.5 million children since its launch in 1992, aims to inspire interest in aviation among young people by offering firsthand experiences in general aviation.
Treats on the Tarmac was the third major public event held at the airport in recent months, following the Crosswind Classic open house in August and the Run the Runway 5K event in late October. Gerald Gaige, of the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation, remarked on the shared purpose behind these events.
“This event for the public to come and use their airport is the third this year in a chain of efforts providing community access and awareness of the value of our airport,” Gaige said. The foundation has worked since 2018 to expand aviation opportunities for local residents, including offering career scholarships and aviation science classes in Mountain Home schools.
Organizers, including Baxter County officials and aviation groups, say more events and educational opportunities are in development to help the community better understand and engage with their airport.
For more information on EAA Chapter 775, including future Young Eagles rallies, visit chapters.eaa.org/eaa775.