2024 Antique Airplane Invitational Fly-in - The HANGAR at Deer Pasture Airfield:

 

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 We called it the 16th annual event as a follow-on to the 15 prior events held here between 1980 and 1994 by our parents John and Glenna Bowden.  We had a good local turnout, however the weather was not at all favorable for flying. Early arrivals enjoyed a pot luck dinner with bratwurst and weenie dogs.  Only 3 airplanes and one helicopter showed up.  I had my 1946 Taylorcraft there only because I brought it several days ahead of time.  One pilot, Phil Baker, flew in from Alpine TX on Friday evening in his 1956 Cessna 180.  Saturday meals were provided by the ALOHA Lampasas food truck.  A neighbor from 8 miles away, Skot Ingram, brought over a Bell 47 "M.A.S.H." helicopter for a while on Saturday morning.  Later toward sunset (during the time pilot's call "the Golden Hour"), the clouds lifted a little and the sun peaked out for a short while. I made several (8) flights in my Taylorcraft giving rides to several kids (young and older ones).  Skot made another appearance, making some beautiful low passes in his 1939 Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing. Phil also made a couple of flights in his 180.  All pilots know that the best flying conditions occur during the "Golden Hour".  And it certainly was.

Some attendees enjoyed the nice camping weather along the creek on the Bowden property.  On display were memorial photos from past fly-ins, airplanes, and other mementos documenting the lives of John and Glenna Bowden. The visitors enjoyed a 1-hour presentation on the Early Aviation History in Texas, by Jacob Stringer of Kerrville TX.  Some also participated in a historical hayride tour of the Bowden homeplace.  There were games for kids and many enjoyed riding on the "Plane Train", on loan from Harold Stieber of Brownwood TX and the Ranger Airfield Foundation, of Ranger TX.  Those who stayed past sundown were entertained by the Hot Texas Swing Band from Austin TX, courtesy of Andrew Fish.

 

 

Those who stayed for Sunday morning were treated by a wonderful breakfast followed by a short memorial service and worship time.  The weekend was considered a success, even though there weren't many airplanes.  For the Bowden family it was a great opportunity to come together and pass the Bowden's Deer Pasture Airfield legacy on to future generations.  We hope that there will be many more years ahead to celebrate this great event.

 

 

Photo Credits: Edith Wagner Harrison, Andrea Gore, Andrew Fish, Terry Bowden 

Click here for a special "Golden Hour" treat from Edith Wagner Harrison and Skot Ingram.