For release: September 4, 2003
CONTACT: Nicole Wahlberg, Director of Marketing & PR, Evergreen Aviation Museum (503)-434-4006 or nicole.wahlberg@sprucegoose.com
MCMINNVILLE, Ore.— For the first time in more than 10 years, Evergreen Aviation Museum visitors will be able to go inside the famous Howard Hughes Flying Boat “Spruce Goose”. As a kick-off to the Centennial of Flight 100-day countdown, patrons will be admitted onto a viewing platform inside the cargo deck of the “Spruce Goose” and given the opportunity of a lifetime to see the massive interior. The opening ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Tues., Sept. 9, 2003.
Following the grand opening ceremony, the Spruce Goose cargo deck will then be open to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The opening of the Spruce Goose will begin the Centennial of Flight 100-day countdown at the Evergreen Aviation Museum, honoring the significance of the historic day the Wright Brothers took their invention into flight on Dec. 17, 1903. The museum plans to celebrate the different facets of aviation through a series of activities that will provide fun for all ages.
September 9: The celebration begins at 10 a.m. Join the Museum staff for our kickoff event – the opening of the Spruce Goose access platform. Be one of the first to step inside the cargo deck of the Spruce Goose.
September 13: The Evergreen Model Show and Contest. Hundreds of model airplane enthusiasts will come out to exhibit their models. Contest begins at 9 a.m. with judging completed at 3:15 p.m. The public is welcome to exhibit. Exhibit costs are $5 per model.
September 13: Kite Day – Join us from 11 a. m. to 3 p.m. for kite demonstrations by local kite organizations and kite-making lessons for children. Enjoy a special visiting exhibit How the Kite Invented the Airplane sponsored by Lincoln City Visitors Bureau and Catch the Wind on display until January 31, 2004.
September 16: U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West Performance, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
September 20: Hot Air Balloon Day – Hot air balloon rides will be available and must be pre-purchased by calling Vista Balloons at 503-625-7385. Rides are $179 per person and will include a one-hour flight, departing from the museum and a champagne breakfast at the museum upon your return – a total three-hour experience.
September 27: Helicopter Day – Come view a collection of museum as well as visiting displays of period helicopters.
October 18: Centennial of Flight Monopoly Tournament – 1 p.m. Don’t miss the best event of the year. To reserve your playing spot call 503-434-4023.
Oct. 26: Aviation Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony, 1 to 3 p.m. sponsored by the Oregon State Department of Aviation, establishing the Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor to recognize Oregonians that have made significant contributions to aviation aerospace. Call 503-434-4023 for more information or to reserve your tickets.
Dec. 17 : Centennial of Flight Celebration, events will be coordinated with national ceremonies.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum has been open since June 6, 2001 and has seen over 450,000 visitors from all over the world. The new address for the Evergreen Aviation Museum is 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way. Museum admission prices have recently changed to $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for students. The new prices include admission onto the Spruce Goose interior viewing platform as well as tours of more than 45 historic aircraft in the museum gallery.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except when it is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. An extensive museum store and friendly café add to the Museum experience. The Museum is located at 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way across the highway from the McMinnville Airport and about three miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18. Regular visitor admission is required. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information, and visit www.sprucegoose.org.