PRESS RELEASE Rhinebeck, NY — Plans are well under way for the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration at the Spirit of the Aerodrome Gala and Fundraiser to be held at the museum on May 19th 2018.
Since its founding in 1958 the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has developed into the foremost “living” museum of early aviation in the world. Aerodrome founder Cole Palen started his collection with the purchase of six World War One era aircraft from the now defunct Roosevelt Field flight school on Long Island. Palen purchased the property that is now the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome as an abandoned farm and single-handedly hacked out a runway and erected a few buildings out of used and scrapped lumber.
Early on, air shows were performed once a month with no formal admission charge. A simple silk top-hat was placed on an airplane wing and donations were welcomed. To this day, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome continues the traditions established by Cole Palen and continues to perform bi-weekly air shows from June through mid-October and entertains visitors from all over the world.
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome will open at 10:00 am on May 19th and charge air show admission of $25 for adults (18-64), youth (6-17) $12, Military (active or retired with Military ID) $20, Seniors (65 nd over) $20 and Children (5 and under) will be admitted for free. The museum’s current air show line up will be on display and select aircraft will perform aerial demonstrations throughout the day.
Some of the highlights of the daytime celebration will be presentations by Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum President Mike DiGiacomio, Rhinebeck Aerodrome Past and Future, Aerodrome Secretary Mike Fisher will present reminiscences of days gone by in Aerodrome Tall Tales and long-time Aerodrome friend and benefactor Sean Tavares will present Hudson Valley Aviation History. The Aerodrome Snack Stand will be open and live music will be featured during the day. Restoration shops will be open and current projects can be viewed by the public. Tours of the museum will be provided at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Biplane rides will be available weather permitting.
The evening gala will run from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Ticket prices are $150 until April 19th and $165 from April 20th until the event. Seating is limited. New York’s CBS 101.1 radio personality, vintage aviator, and former air show pilot Dan Taylor will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
This year the museum will be presenting the first Spirit of the Aerodrome Scholarship. $500 will be awarded to a winning Dutchess County Graduating High School Senior attending college in the Fall. Gala honorees for the 2018 event will be the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Chamber President and CEO Frank Castella will accept the award. The Aerodrome will also recognize long-time friend and supporter Mike Hericourt of Ed Hericourt General Contracting. Live music will be performed throughout the evening with dinner, dancing and a silent auction will be featured at the event.
For a full schedule of events and details, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit www.spiritoftheaerodrome.com. All event proceeds will be applied to Rhinebeck Aerodrome operations, restorations and outreach and educational programming.
Contact: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome-(845) 752-3200, info@oldrhinebeck.org. The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a 501 © 3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.