Mason-area families can tour cockpits, watch a World War II bomber up close and grab a helicopter ride Saturday, Sept. 19, at the third annual Airport Fest at Warren County Airport.
The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Lane Field, 2460 Greentree Road in Turtlecreek Township. It features aircraft displays, airplane and helicopter rides, food trucks, live music and kids activities, the Dayton Daily News reported.
A featured attraction is a B-25 Mitchell bomber from the World War II era.
Airport Authority Chairman Jack DeBrunner told the Dayton Daily News the event is meant to pull back the curtain on a facility most residents drive past without a second thought.
"It's really kind of a hub for community outreach," DeBrunner said.
The airport, three miles northwest of Lebanon, is one of the busiest general aviation fields in the state. It now houses more than 150 aircraft, up from about 100 three years ago. During a July presentation to Warren County commissioners, DeBrunner described it as Ohio's fastest-growing general aviation airport, with nearly 38,000 annual takeoffs and landings.
About 40 businesses operate on site, employing more than 100 people. The Airport Authority estimates the facility generates between $18 million and $27 million in annual economic impact for the county.
Airport Authority Vice President Doug Koenig told the Dayton Daily News the airport serves area companies as an alternative to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport or Lunken Airport. The field sits within a 20-minute drive of Mason, Springboro and other Warren County business centers.
Beyond commerce, pilots based at the airport fly charitable missions year-round, including Angel Flights for medical patients, Pilots N Paws animal rescues and hospice flights. The airport also offers aviation scholarships to high school students.
The facility is in the middle of a growth spurt. Hangar construction is underway, and the Airport Authority has acquired 12 acres on the airport's west side with help from the Federal Aviation Administration and the county. Plans call for expanding the 4,505-foot runway to handle larger business aircraft.
Upcoming community events
- Airport Fest 2026: Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 2460 Greentree Road, Turtlecreek Township. Free admission. Airplane and helicopter rides available.
