Richmond Executive Airport Hosts First Movie Night

About 500 people braved the chance of rain to attend Richmond Executive Airport’s inaugural Movie Night on Saturday.  There, inside an unused, cavernous hangar, people bundled in groups to watch the Disney movie, “Planes.”

The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) had its ICON A5 amphibian light sport plane on display. People of all ages had an opportunity to sit in the two-seat, pusher-propelled aircraft. Betty Wilson, the Public Relations and Education Manager for the department, estimated that 150 people explored the interior of the aircraft. For some attendees it was their first time in an airplane. The department’s ICON A5 is part of the agency’s aviation education program.

The movie-goers were treated to other amazing previews that night as well. When a Bell 429 helicopter landed parallel to the event, people were quick to snap pictures with their cell phones. The Wingnuts Flying Club, as well as local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter 231, had general aviation aircraft on display.

While the movie and the aircraft were the main draw they were not the only activities occurring that night. Chesterfield County firefighters and police officers brought vehicles, equipment, and smiles for the crowd. Hungry spectators formed lines next to the mobile Hellenic Kouzina Greek Café and the Kabamm Food Truck. Event organizers said these food vendors described it as one of the busiest events they have ever attended.

Airport Operations Manager and event organizer Hollie Baron battled the uncertainty of hosting the evening due to the rain from Hurricane Ian. She was grateful the night went off flawlessly: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everybody who came together to make this event a huge success,” she said.