The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is set to host a three-day extravaganza from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14, 2025, marking the 100th anniversary of Fairchild Aircraft, a cornerstone of aviation history. The event, held at 18450 Showalter Rd., Building 8, promises a vibrant celebration of aviation, innovation, and community from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The festivities kick off on Friday, Sept. 12, with vintage Fairchild aircraft landing at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Visitors can experience Fairchild Heritage Flights for a $200 donation, offering a rare chance to soar in historic planes. The evening concludes with a 1940s Hangar Dance, featuring Big Band music, dancing, food, and drinks, transporting attendees back to the era of swing.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Wings & Wheels Expo takes center stage, showcasing the museum’s extensive collection of vintage aircraft, including the iconic Fairchild Flight Test Dome Hangar. A Cruise-In will display antique cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles like cranes and SWAT units. Live music begins at noon, complemented by food vendors and local artisans.
Sunday, Sept. 14, starts with coffee, doughnuts, and aviation fellowship. A speaker series highlights a Ranger Engine Clinic, a Rosie Reception honoring women in aviation, and an A-10 Warthog Roundtable. The day ends with a farewell to Fairchild aircraft as they depart, a spectacle of history taking flight.
Commemorative merchandise, including badges, pins, shirts, and numbered prints by artist Larry Selman, will be available. The museum encourages attendees to follow event signage and visit hagerstownaviationmuseum.org/fairchild100 for updates.
This centennial homecoming celebrates Fairchild’s legacy, from its early days to its contributions to modern aviation. Organizers expect a diverse crowd of enthusiasts, families, and history buffs to join in honoring a century of flight.