The Gulf Coast Wing Commemorative Air Force offered a Living History Flight on the Navy JRB or the SNJ.
The inaugural Fly-In and Food Truck Festival at Tyler County Airport launched successfully on Sept. 21, drawing more than 1,600 attendees and showcasing the airport as a lively community hub with an exciting vision for the future.
The festival offered attendees a front-row seat to an impressive array of aircraft and aviation displays. From historic World War II planes to a RE/MAX hot air balloon, guests had the chance to explore and experience the excitement of aviation firsthand. Many attendees soared into the skies, enjoying thrilling skydiving experiences and the chance to take flight on vintage aircraft. The enthusiasm continued with formation flying by the Falcon Flight Formation Team and Coast Guard flyovers. After these aerial displays, guests explored exhibits from the Houston Space Center, Commemorative Air Force and National Guard, while enjoying offerings from a variety of food trucks and local vendors.
Festival attendees enjoying the aircraft displays at the inaugural Fly-In and Food Truck Festival, surrounded by vendors and food trucks.
As the festival came to a close, it was clear that this celebration marked the beginning of an exciting chapter for Tyler County Airport. A recently announced casino resort development on Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas reservation lands positions the airport to play a vital role in driving regional economic growth. The anticipated influx of visitors and job opportunities will serve as a catalyst for expansion, starting with the installation of new fuel tanks to accommodate increased demand from pilots and travelers. Recent terminal upgrades mark the beginning of a series of improvements, including plans for runway enhancements and expanded services to support the airport’s long-term vision.
“The Fly-In and Food Truck Festival is just the beginning,” said Cathy Bennett, president of the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce. “Next year, we’re planning even bigger things that will attract even more visitors.”
The Falcon Flight Formation Team flying over the Fly-In and Food Truck Festival.
The festival also sought to inspire the next generation of aviators. Through hands-on experiences and close encounters with historic aircraft, the event provided young attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with the world of aviation. Organizers hoped that the excitement experienced by local youth would ignite a passion for aviation, potentially leading to future careers as pilots, engineers and aviation enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, the Fly-In and Food Truck Festival is set to become an annual highlight for the community. With larger plans for next year, the festival aims to expand its scale and impact, further solidifying its role in the region’s aviation landscape.
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- Left to right: Holly Wells, Tyler County Chamber of Commerce director/event coordinator; Congressman Brian Babin; Cathy Bennet, president of the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce; and Jacqueline Kuzio, associate research scientist for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, at the inaugural Fly-In and Food Truck Festival.
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- The Falcon Flight Formation Team’s aircraft on display with festival vendors and attendees at the inaugural Fly-In and Food Truck Festival. Photo by Corey Soignet.
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- RV8a, Falcon Flight Formation Team
