September 7, 2025

Williamsburg Prepares for 55th Anniversary Celebration of Airport

News Summary

Williamsburg is set to host a community open house celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport. This free event promises activities for families, including airplane displays, a fun zone, and food trucks. Originally planned as an airshow, the open house now focuses on community engagement and highlights the airport’s history and future plans. Visitors can learn about aviation and enjoy hands-on STEM activities. The event represents a celebration of the airport’s past and its commitment to local relationships.

Williamsburg is gearing up to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport with a community open house on September 20, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free for the public and promises to be a day of fun, featuring a range of activities including airplane displays, food trucks, and a dedicated family fun zone designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The open house was originally planned as an airshow but has evolved into an occasion focused on community appreciation and engagement. This shift aims to highlight the airport’s commitment to its local relationships while providing an enjoyable experience for attendees. The event will specifically showcase vintage and modern aircraft and includes hands-on activities that promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education for children in the Aero Adventure Family Fun Zone.

Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport, located on a 200-acre property on Marclay Road, was originally known as the Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport. This site was formerly operated by the Waltrip family as a go-kart track before transforming into an airport. Established by Larry T. Waltrip, who has a lifelong commitment to business and aviation, the airport opened its doors on September 20, 1970, following a lengthy legal battle that ultimately allowed for its construction.

In its current state, the airport houses approximately 90 airplanes within its 66 hangars and features various amenities, including a restaurant, a pilot shop, and a flight school known as the Williamsburg Flight Center. This flight center not only offers flight training but also conducts historic air tours and works in conjunction with local high schools through the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program to promote aviation education among students.

The airport’s naming last year reflected recognition of the Waltrip family’s longstanding contributions to the area. Notably, Larry T. Waltrip, now 83 years old, has been involved in business since he was 17, having started his career with a marine equipment dealership while still in high school. His military service with the Virginia National Guard included training in flight, which would significantly influence his later ventures into aviation.

Over the decades, the airport has hosted a variety of notable visitors, including former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton, entertainer Merv Griffin, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, and celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor. This history underlines the airport’s significance not just as a transportation hub but also as a community landmark.

In addition to its existing facilities and functions, there are future plans that may see the airport expand its offerings, potentially incorporating medical transportation services to further serve the community. The September 20 open house represents an opportunity to celebrate not just the history and achievements of the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport but also a chance for the community to come together in recognition of their shared connections.

For those who had purchased tickets for the originally planned airshow via AttendStar, event organizers have announced that refunds will be available. Additional information regarding the open house and airport facilities can be found on the airport’s website and through its social media channels.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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