Ever since the Wright brothers took to the sky at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903, man has been fascinated by flight. Virtually everyone has watched a plane fly overhead and wondered what it might feel like to fly through the open sky. Although flying has become second nature for many in our modern era, the exhilaration felt when the wings first leave the ground is something that will never disappear. The sensation of soaring through the sky high above the clouds feels angelic. It is a feeling that makes events like Moorhead’s Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Car Show popular.
Mention the words “Moorhead airport” and a likely response will be, “Moorhead has an airport?” More than just a landmark on I-94, the Moorhead airport is actually a very active and high-traffic location. Airport Manager Steve Edner estimates that the facility deals with 20-25 operations a day – a mix of local traffic and transfer stops for fuel. In addition, the airport has approximately 50 single and multi-engine planes located on site.
The recent and projected growth of the Greater Moorhead area is facilitating a corresponding growth in the airport. “We are definitely growing,” Edner said. Three new hangars are currently under construction that will be up and running shortly. In addition, the location has room for another five or six hangars. “We’ve been undergoing a lot of development this summer,” Edner explained. “We are adding bigger hangars to accommodate bigger aircraft.”
Edner has been around aircraft his entire life. “My family has always been involved,” he said. “It is all I’ve ever done.” Edner started flying when he was young and has worked in the aviation industry ever since. After attending the University of Minnesota and obtaining a Business Administration degree, he operated a company in Colorado that hauled all checks to the Federal Reserve. “Most people don’t know how checks actually get there,” he said. Since 1995, however, Edner has called the Moorhead Airport home. He has helped expand the airport to the point of prominence within the business community, a feat made possible by the growth and development of its home community. “A lot of the business traffic that comes and goes is supported by people coming in to do business,” he said. “Not everyone likes to go to Fargo.”
The Wings & Wheels event is the Moorhead airport’s signature event. It is the public’s opportunity to visit what most have only driven by. It isn’t only the airport that is on display, however. The Sanford Medical helicopter, Minnesota State Patrol helicopter, WWII aircraft, Moorhead fire trucks, and various other aircraft will also be part of the exhibition. “There will be some antique airplanes and a lot of planes from the area,” Esner explained. “It’s a good opportunity to look at the planes and talk to the pilots.” In addition, Young Eagle will be providing youth airplane rides. According to Esner, 13-18 kids will be able to get an introductory airplane ride and a certificate to go online and take a ground school class. “It is a fantastic part of the event,” he said.
As if that wasn’t enough, Wings & Wheels also includes a Fargo Custom Car Show, a performance by Sky Dive Fargo at noon, and a RC Flyers demonstration. “We usually have a great car turnout with the clubs in town,” Esner explained. Last but not least, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Whether you’re into planes, cars, great food, or just interesting company, there is truly something for everyone at Wings & Wheels.
The Moorhead Wings & Wheels Fly-In and Car Show is sponsored by the City of Moorhead and Flight Development, LLC as part of Greater Moorhead Days. The citywide celebration will be held from September 4-13.
