More than 100 people gathered  Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Hillsdale Municipal Airport for the seventh annual Patriot’s Day Fly In, despite inclement weather.

Cars lined the tarmac, parking two rows deep to accommodate the large number of attendees. Multiple large tents housed the pancake breakfast with tables and chairs, where people enjoyed food catered by The Local Eatery. Those who attended the event supported local businesses through the pancake breakfast and a 50/50 raffle drawing. 

Attendees viewed classic cars and planes on the tarmac. Police officers spoke with locals as EMS units, fire trucks, and police cars joined the event. Although the event typically offers helicopter and airplane rides, including a Huey helicopter, flights were canceled due to the weather.

Livonia resident Yolanda Hlavati attended the event. Hlavati said she makes her way to the airport every year because she loves the excitement of the planes and the people. In the past, she said classic cars have been her husband’s main draw to the event. 

“We would have stayed longer because they usually have lots of cars and planes,” Hlavati said. 

While weather changed the experience for attendees, regulars like Hlavati still came out to support the event. Hlavati brought her daughter Jackie Johnson to the event for the first time this year to share in the annual tradition. 

Johnson said even in the rain, she was excited to see kids running around and admiring the planes. 

Hillsdale City Council Member Bruce Sharp said he was impressed with the crowd, considering the weather. The program and airport have come a long way in the past 10 years, Sharp said. 

Sharp said the airport is attempting to fund terminal projects, and events like this help rally community support to make those dreams possible. 

“This event is a vital part of the community,” Sharp said.