The Pilots’ Christmas Parade
By Gary Rosier, EAA 1098070
December 16, 2015 - The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world’s most famous residential airpark. Located in northeast Florida, a few miles south of Daytona Beach, it is a truly unique residential community. Originally a Navy airfield during World War II, the runway is 4,000 feet long and 176 feet wide so it can accommodate everything from Gulfstreams and Lears to B-24s. Spruce Creek boasts more than 5,000 residents, 1,300 plus homes, and 650 aircraft as well as various businesses, a restaurant, and even a championship golf course. As the sign says upon entering; CAUTION Children and Adults at Play! This is truly any aircraft lover’s heaven on earth!
More than 50 aircraft participated in this annual Christmas parade—everything from RVs and Harmon Rockets to a P-51 and an A-4Skyhawk—as well as many floats, decorated golf carts, classic cars, marching bands, pets, and even an R/C model demonstration. Hundreds of residents turned out to celebrate on a gorgeous, sunshine-filled day.
You owe it to yourself to check this all out someday. After all, it’s a fantastic pilot’s adventure and adult’s playground like none other!
