Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named the Festival D’Avion as one of the Signature Events of the Southeast for 2023. The event is one of 20 tourism events selected by STS among its 13 member states and the District of Columbia. It was the only event in North Carolina recognized among the selections. The event was originally nominated by the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
“We (CVB) nominated several Moore County events to be recognized for this tourism honor,” said Phil Werz, president and CEO of the CVB. “When you consider all of the hundreds, if not thousands of events across the Southeast each year, we’re pleased that at least one event from our destination was chosen to receive this worthy recognition.”
The Festival D’Avion will take place Oct. 27-28 at the Moore County Airport. The “Celebration of Freedom and Flight” draws approximately 7,500 people and provides flying enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to access the airport tarmac to see planes from vintage models dating back to the 1940s to modern day up close. All branches of the military invited to participate.
“As we prepare to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Festival D’Avion in October, we’re humbled to be named as a prestigious winner of a 2023 ‘Signature Event of the Southeast’ award,” said Festival D’Avion co-founders Peter Stilwell and David Droschak. “The vision and goal of this festival was to be unique, honor the men and women that serve in the military and showcase the Moore County Airport by creating a community experience that all ages can enjoy.”
On Friday, Oct. 27, the Festival D’Avion kicks off with the inaugural “Where Imagination Takes Flight” costume carnival fundraiser benefitting the Children of Fallen Heroes. Enjoy casino games, wine and bourbon tastings, cigars, an aviation display, costume contest, silent auction, food, and an appearance from the Children of Fallen Heroes Skydiving Angels Parachute Team.
Then, on Saturday, Oct. 28, the “Celebration of Freedom and Flight” will feature military aircraft, precision flyovers from the Bandit Flight Team and other aircraft, vintage planes, parachute jump teams, fixed wing and helicopter sightseeing tours, live music, the 82nd Airborne Chorus, a Junior Pilot KidsZone along with massive inflatables, games and candy for the kids. There will also be a Halloween costume contest and much more.
Earlier in the week, on Saturday, Oct. 21, the third annual Runway 5K takes place as participants can “take off” down the runway of the Moore County Airport presented by Pace Yourself Run Company. The race fee includes an event ticket redeemable for the Festival D’Avion.
For more information about the Festival D’Avion and the Runway 5K, visit www.FestivalDAvion.com. For tourism information about the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area, go to: www.HomeofGolf.com.
