Calendar of Events set forAviation Anniversary
Graphic ArtistCharles Gilman shows off the logo he created for the 50th Anniversaryof Aviation.
The planning committee for the 50th Anniversaryof Aviation has announced a series of events to commemorate theoccasion.
"The plans for the celebration willinclude 'something for everyone' and we hope that the entire communitywill be involved," explained Director of Civil Aviation RichardSmith, head of the event's organising committee.
The events will kick off with a competitionfor all students aged 5 to 18 beginning in October. Aviation seminarsfeaturing local pilots, aviators and other persons working inthe field, will be taking place in the schools in next month also.
A commemorative booklet detailing the historyof Cayman's aviation will be released in October as well. Thebooklet is being designed by Government Information Services'Graphic Artist Charles Gilman, who is also the creator of thelogo that marks the event. The booklet will feature many historicalphotos and a chronology of aviation for the past 50 years. "Currentlywe have nothing like this that provides all the details of Cayman'saviation. We are very excited about it, and are certain that thepublic will appreciate its value for future generations,"Mr. Smith related.
In early November the Post Office is launchinga commemorative stamp issue to mark the occasion. "The PostOffice is extremely pleased to be involved with an event as importantas this is in our islands' history," stated Mrs. Mona Banks-JacksonPost Master General. "We plan to have a ceremony to officiallyrelease the stamp issue and are certain that the public will allwant to have these stamps as a keepsake," she concluded.
During the week of the actual anniversary,which is Thursday, November 28th, the committee has various eventsand functions planned. On the anniversary there will be a supplementin the newspaper highlighting aviation history and featuring manyof the aviation stories of days gone by and current aviation happenings.There will also be events during the week that will honour longserving pioneers of aviation on all three islands.
On Saturday, November 30th the celebrationculminates with events for the whole family. "We are planningto have a Young Eagles programme at the airport in the morningwhere young people truly interested in flying can learn more aboutwhat it has to offer. This will be offered by the Cayman FlyingClub. The National Spokesperson of the EAA Young Eagles programmeJamail Larkins will be on island during this week to interactwith the schools children and anyone interested in aviation. "Asone of the youngest American pilots to solo in a powered aircraftJamail is a real inspiration to all young people who have dreamsof becoming a pilot or working in the aviation industry. We aresure that he will provide a fascinating and inspiring story,"explained Mr. Smith.
Later on the same day there will be a funday at Seven Mile Public Beach that will feature parachuters,kids activities, food and snacks courtesy of sponsor Fosters FoodFair and great prizes and give aways focused around an aviationtheme.
Our 'First Class' sponsors for these eventsare long time partners of aviation in the Cayman Islands and includeour National Airline Cayman Airways Ltd, , Flowers Air DispatchServices (F.A.D.S.), Texaco Caribbean and Aviation Communication.
Business Class sponsors for the events areFosters Food Fair, Tortuga Rum Company and Cable & Wireless.Other supporters of the celebration include Island Air, BritishAirways, Walt Disney World and Fantasy of Flight.
"We are thrilled to have so many companiessupporting these events. Without them this occasion would passwithout the ceremony and celebration it deserves and we sincerelythank all the sponsors for their support," concluded Mr.Smith.
Anyone who would like more information aboutthe planned events for the 50th Anniversary of Aviation shouldcontact Rhonda Kelly at 946-8822 or by e-mail at kellyco@candw.ky.