Helicopter Museum Holds Annual FamilyFest in June
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC) offers a day of fun during its FamilyFest on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The annual event loaded with activities galore aims to delight visitors of all ages.
Highlighting FamilyFest will be a presentation and demonstration by Torque, a Belgian Malinois who holds the world’s record as “The Dog with the Most Flights in a Huey Helicopter.” The hour-long talk by Torque’s personal assistant will begin at noon and include the history of dogs in helicopters, information about K-9 Torque, Torque’s world-record achievement, the training and equipment involved, and a book reading and signing of her new children’s book. Paul Kahan, AHMEC’s Executive Director, will present Torque with a plaque honoring her accomplishments.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this extraordinary animal to our museum. She flies with the Huey Vets in the San Francisco Bay Area and works with various charitable organizations, including the Tug McGraw Foundation,” explained Kahan. “Additionally, she is a highly regarded crime fighter, so come and meet Torque and hear her incredible story.”
FamilyFest will also feature food trucks like Mobile Mess Hall and Shimpy’s BBQ, desserts by Kona Ice and Sinfully Delicious, and adult beverages from Locust Lane Brewery and Grace Winery. Vendors will include Craft Kate’s Creations, Chester County Beekeepers Association, Operation Homefront, K9 Partners for Life, Paws for People Therapy Dogs, Chester County Seeing Eye Puppies, Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue, the Goshen Fire Company, and many more will. Music will be provided by Mark Shepperd Productions, and Kirk’s Martial Arts will demonstrate their skills at 1 p.m. And, of course, AHMEC will host its annual classic car and motorcycle show.
Helicopter rides will be available and cost an additional $100.00 per person for non-museum members and $85.00 for museum members. Rides will be first-come, first-served beginning at 12:30 until 3 p.m. Visitors must be on site and checked in by 2:45 p.m. to guarantee a flight.
“There will be so much here to see and do that you won’t know where to start!” Kahan continued. “We truly have something for everyone.”
Admission is $20.00 per person. Children under age five and museum members are free.
AHMEC wishes to thank its FamilyFest sponsors: A Storage Depot, Brandywine Aviation and Maintenance, Brandywine Regional Airport, Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, First Bank, First Resource Bank, Fastener Systems, Inc., Greg A. Vietri, Inc., MBA Advisors, Metro Aviation, Pillar Real Estate Advisors, Team Toyota, and the Vertical Flight Society.
Contact AHMEC at 610-436-9600 or see the website at www.americanhelicopter.museum for more information.
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, located at 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, is the nation’s premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores, and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogyros, and convertiplanes.