NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Regional Airport brought together older cars, newer cars and multiple generations Sunday afternoon for its new monthly cruise night.
“The cars are just kind of a channel to get people to the airport again,” said 27-year-old Michael Crane, assistant airport manager, organizer of the event.
Sunday marked the second cruise night at the airport. The event was inspired by General Aviation Fun Day which included antique cars along with airplane rides and flight demonstrations.
The airport is working on bringing back the family event, which was an effort to increase awareness about the airport and the aviation industry, in the next year or two, Crane said. With or without the event, Crane said the airport is a place for families to visit the playground, observation deck and the Airport Grille which has a new menu.
The restaurant provided free clam chowder to attendees. FastReligion which has a Youtube channel had a tent at the airport and Architectural Consulting Group showed off a small, single-seater airplane.
The cruise night is monthly for now and will run until November from 4 to 7 p.m.
Crane said he’s passionate about cars. He had a modified Toyota GT86 on display.
Wearing an airport vest, he helped direct people where to park and gave out raffle tickets. O’Reilly Auto Parts on Hathaway Road donated wash buckets with detailing and wash products for the raffles, Crane said.
“People can come and go as they please,” he said, and both older and newer models of cars are welcome.
One man brought a 2006 Dodge Charger and another brought a 1998 Camaro.
Likely the oldest car in the parking lot was owned by Russell Olson, an airport commissioner. He showed off a black 1927 Model T Ford.
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