Seaplanes, cars head to Hammondsport

HAMMONDSPORT--Fans of flying will have an expanded event to enjoy this weekend in Hammondsport. The annual seaplane homecoming in the village has been renamed to Wings & Wheels in Hammondsport and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17.
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum combined with volunteers, has held the seaplane event since 2003 on the Keuka Lake waterfront. Both classic and modern airplanes that can take off and land on the water are featured at Depot Park. New this year, a car show will take place both days with show cars parking along Shethar Street and on Park Place adjacent to the village square. Awards will be given out Saturday and Sunday based on votes from the public. Categories include classic car, exotic car, best of show and kids choice award.
While there will be many events happening at the waterfront, a few special events are planned. Saturday at noon there will be a SX-300 formation flyover. At 12:30 p.m. the Hammondsport Fire Department will demonstrate their fire boat capabilities, and from 1 to 2 p.m. there is a Seaplane Salute to Glenn H. Curtiss. Car show awards will be presented at 3 p.m. An evening dinner banquet is held for special guests and the public to close out the first day. Registration for the evening is available online at www.wingsandwheelshammondsport.com.
Sunday's special events occur at the same times as Saturday. Noon for the flyover, 12:30 p.m. for the fire boat demonstration and 3 p.m. for car show awards.
The event is free to attend, with parking throughout the village, at the school and also at the museum. A shuttle service will operate during the event to transport visitors.
Finger Lakes Seaplanes, LLC will also be available during the weekend offering approximately 30-minute plane rides for a fee at the park.
All show car entrants and seaplanes are required to pre-register prior to arriving at the event. There is no donation required for seaplanes. Show car entrants are required to make a $15 donation to the museum at the time of registration.