The pilots are cleaning their planes, the displays are being completed, and the refreshment stands are being stocked with tasty snacks.

Preparations are nearing completion for Saturday, Sept. 13, when "Airport Day 2008" takes off at Fullerton Municipal Airport with a full load of special events and activities.

Displays of vintage aircraft, plus an appearance by Commander Chuck Street, air traffic reporter for both television station KTLA and radio station KIIS, are just some of the attractions planned for the day.

The fun will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.         

"Airport Day" is designed to showcase the Airport and the important role it plays in providing service not only to Fullerton, but to all of North Orange County.  In keeping with this goal, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Anaheim Police Department and the California Highway Patrol will open their air operations hangars at the airport for tours.

There will also be aviation-related displays and booths, and the Fullerton Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, a women pilots organization, will be offering plane rides for a fee.

The last strictly general aviation airfield still operating in Orange County, Fullerton Municipal Airport can trace its origins back as early as 1913 when barnstormers and crop dusters used the then-vacant site as a makeshift landing strip.  The airport’s “official” birthday is 1927:   That’s the year the Fullerton City Council signed Ordinance 514, which formally established the airport.

Food vendors will sell refreshments throughout “Airport Day,” and the airport restaurant, Tartuffle’s, will also be open.

Other organizations participating include airport businesses, the Fullerton Airport Pilots Association, the Civil Air Patrol, the Aero Squadron Reserve, and the Fullerton Radio Club.

Also participating will be the Fullerton Public Library and the Fullerton Police and Fire departments.

Fullerton Municipal Airport is located at 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave., west of Magnolia Avenue and north of the Riverside Freeway, in Fullerton.    

Because of the large crowd anticipated for the show, visitors are advised to park their cars in the lot on Commonwealth Avenue.

Visitors are cautioned not to cross or walk on the runways.

Further information about the air show may be obtained by calling Fullerton Municipal Airport at (714) 738-6323.