Mark your calendars—Airport Day & Preparedness Expo is back at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM! This free, family-friendly event brings together the best of aviation, community preparedness, and local fun.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, interested in safety education, or just looking for a unique day out with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Event Highlights

Runway 5K – 8:00 AM
Kick off the day with our one-of-a-kind race down the runway. Registration opens at 7:00 AM.
👉 Pre Register here – T-shirts available while supplies last

Pancake Breakfast – 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by East Hill Flying Club. $10 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3–10.

Scenic Flights – Starting at 9:00 AM
Experience a bird’s-eye view of Tompkins County with $65 scenic flights from East Hill Flying Club.

Hot Air Balloon Rides – 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Take a tethered ride with Southern Tier Balloon Tours for a sky-high view of the event. $20/Adult, $10/Child

Vehicle Extrication Demo – 9:45 AM
Watch a dramatic live rescue demonstration by local emergency responders.

Tower Tours – 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Take a rare guided tour of the airport tower (limited capacity – sign-up required).

Crossroads the Clown – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and balloon animals for kids of all ages.

Paper Airplane Contest – 10:30 AM
Show off your flying skills for a chance to win a $500 ITH travel voucher, sponsored by Cayuga Radio Group.

Ice Cream Truck – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cool off with a sweet treat while you explore everything the day has to offer.

Preparedness & Safety Fair – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Explore hands-on emergency demos, CPR training, fire extinguisher use, and meet local safety teams.

Citizen Preparedness Corps Training – 10:00 AM
Attend this free workshop and receive a Disaster Preparedness Kit.
👉 Pre-register at www.prepare.ny.gov

Red Cross Blood Drive – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Give the gift of life at 55 Brown Rd (Tompkins County Whole Health).
👉 Schedule your donation at www.RedCrossBlood.org

Aircraft Displays – Throughout the Event
Get up close with a variety of aircraft and talk with aviation professionals on the tarmac.

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Parking & Admission

Admission is FREE
Free parking available in the long-term lot at:
1 Culligan Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
Event entrance: East Hill Flying Club, 62 Brown Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850

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Participating Organizations

ITH Airport • East Hill Flying Club • Tompkins County Emergency Response • Whole Health • Red Cross • NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps • Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office • Local Fire & EMS Departments • and many more

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Join us for a day of discovery, connection, and fun at Airport Day & Preparedness Expo 2025—we’ll see you on Saturday, September 13th!

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