News Summary
The Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a free open house on September 20. Originally established in 1970, the airport, featuring 66 hangars and various amenities, invites the community to enjoy vintage and modern aircraft displays, food trucks, and family activities. Following challenges, the airport was renamed in honor of the Waltrip family for their contributions. The open house reflects the airport’s historical significance and future potential in the Williamsburg area.
Williamsburg, VA – The Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a free open house event on September 20, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, which was initially planned as an airshow, is now open to the public without any admission fees.
The airport, previously known as the Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport, was established in 1970 on 200 acres of land and features a vital airstrip in the region. It is located on Marclay Road and is privately owned. The property was originally owned by the Waltrip family, specifically Dudley C. and Mary Waltrip, parents of Larry T. Waltrip, who has been instrumental in the airport’s development.
The airport is currently home to 66 hangars that house about 90 airplanes. Additionally, it boasts facilities including a restaurant, a pilot shop, and a flight school. In recognition of the contributions made by the Waltrip family, the airport was renamed in their honor last year. Larry T. Waltrip, now 83, has faced numerous challenges throughout the airport’s history, including legal battles that delayed its construction.
Historical Significance
Construction of the airport began in 1967 after Waltrip was approached with the idea to create a small airport. The project faced significant opposition from local governments and nearby residents, leading to several court cases. Ultimately, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled in favor of Waltrip, allowing construction to proceed and leading to the airport’s opening.
Over the years, the airport has welcomed many notable visitors, including former Governor Linwood Holton, talk show host Merv Griffin, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, and celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The current amenities include Charly’s Airport Restaurant, the Williamsburg Flight Center for flight training and maintenance, and opportunities for local students under the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program.
Open House Event Details
The upcoming open house will feature an array of activities for the community. Attendees can look forward to displays of both vintage and modern aircraft, food trucks offering various culinary options, and a family-friendly area called Aero Adventure that focuses on promoting STEM activities for children.
The event is being produced by Herron Weidner, who emphasizes the importance of community connections formed over the years at the airport. Larry T. Waltrip expressed gratitude for reaching this significant milestone and has hinted at future plans to incorporate medical transportation services at the airport.
Additional Information
Anyone who purchased tickets for the originally intended airshow will receive refunds. For more information about the event and the airport’s operations, individuals can visit airshow.waltripwilliamsburgexecutiveairport.com or call 757-558-9194.
As the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport reaches this impressive 55-year milestone, it continues to serve as a crucial hub for aviation in the Williamsburg area, celebrating both its history and its future potential.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Airport to Mark 55 Years with Open House
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport
- WYDaily: Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport to Commemorate 55th Anniversary with Air Show
- Google Search: Williamsburg Airport anniversary
- Williamsburg Families: Anniversary Airshow at Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Jamestown Airport Renamed in Honor of Waltrip Family
- Google News: Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport
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.
