You have been able to fly into Rio Creek for over 50 years, but this will be the first without a familiar face cutting its runway.

The late Don Walter was a founding member of the Rio Creek Aviation Association, buying the land for the airport in the 1970s before adding the nearby Rio Creek Airview Campgrounds years later. Walter passed away in March, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the airport and the annual fly-in commemorating it.

If Walter was not by his airplane, he was often cutting the grass on the property. That task is now handled by Rio Creek Aviation Foundation member Bill Roethle, who says he is thankful for all the work Walter did to help grow the hobby in Kewaunee County.

The Rio Creek Aviation Foundation will host its annual Fly-In at the Rio Creek Airport beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast on July 1st. The daylong event also includes airplane rides, live music, food, and other activities. All proceeds go back to the foundation, which this year awarded a scholarship to Aaron Funk as he looks to be the fourth generation in his family to turn aviation into a career.

Picture courtesy of Rio Creek Aviation Foundation