Craig Daily Press

Paper, balsa wood and candy.

With the help of representatives from Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, children will have the chance to build their own aircraft resembling their favorite airplane models from these materials this weekend.

The Craig Centennial AirFest — the latest in Craig’s centennial-themed events — will begin at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at Craig/Moffat County Airport. The salute to American aviation will be a daylong event full of interactive exhibits for all ages.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4265 will kick off the event with their version of “Reveille.” A pancake breakfast provided by Cedar Mountain Lions Club will follow, with food available for $5.50.

The Lions Club also will provide lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. with hot dogs and hamburgers. No alcohol will be allowed at the event, nor will any smoking or pets, for safety precautions.

The general fly-in of pilots from all across the area will lead up to appearances by guest speakers such as Mayor Don Jones, Sen. Jack Taylor and Rep. Al White.

Among the planes that will be on display is a fixed wing 172 aircraft from Colorado Northwestern Community College. Half-hour rides are available for $59.

CNCC will make their flight simulator available for attendees who want the virtual reality experience of flying a plane.

Another flight simulator will be offered by Wings over the Rockies, who will aim their activities at educating children on aviation. Representatives will assist kids in building model airplanes out of paper, balsa wood and candy.

Ray Beck, chairman of the AirFest steering committee, expects to see an attendance of about 500 people at the event.

“That’s what we’re hoping for, and if even more show up, that’s great,” Beck said. “This is the first time we’ve planned an air event of this caliber, and we want it to be a success.”

Beck also is the chairman of the airport’s advisory board.

“The centennial committee thought it would be interesting to have an event on transportation like planes,” he said. “It should be a fun-filled day for everyone.”

Following the day’s activities — including demonstrations from the Steamboat Springs Parachute Team, presentations by the remote control airplane group Yampa Valley Skyscrapers, Zephyr Helicopter rides and more — event organizers encourage the crowd to attend the centennial barbecue at 5:30 p.m. at Loudy-Simpson Park.

The barbecue will be hosted by the Moffat County livestock producers, an agricultural group which includes the Moffat County Cowbelles and the Cattlemen’s Association, among others. Brothers Custom Processing and Pepsi will provide the food and drinks. The price is $8 for a full meal, including dessert. Live music will be provided by The 1340 Band.

Centennial committee member Pam Foster said she expects a good turnout for both the AirFest and the barbecue.

“All the centennial events so far have been well-attended,” she said. “The community has really gotten involved and been cooperative. I’m sure Saturday will be a good, fun, patriotic family day.”

Andy Bockelman can be reached at 875-1796 or abockelman@craigdailypress.com