2025 Tompkins County Airport Day & Preparedness Expo is September 13th

The Tompkins County Departments of Emergency Response and Whole Health are again partnering with the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport for the 2025 Airport Day & Preparedness Expo – A Community Celebration on Saturday, September 13th from 7am to 1pm.

 

The day will start with the annual Runway 5k and East Hill Flying Club's popular Pancake Breakfast, followed by a variety of activities, informational displays, health screenings, and a county employee-sponsored Red Cross blood drive.

 

“This family-friendly event will take place in the area between East Hill Flying Club and Taughannock Aviation off Brown Road,” said Chris Stephany, Marketing and Air Service Development Director for the Airport. “In addition to aircraft displays and tours of the control tower, there will be scenic flights, hot air balloon rides, and the chance to experience the National Warplane Museum’s historic C-47 ‘Whiskey 7’.”

 

“September is National Preparedness Month, so there will be a number of displays and demonstrations focused on emergency preparedness, health, and safety,” stated Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response. “These include CPR demonstrations, a Citizen Preparedness Corps training class, and on-the-spot car seat inspections by New York State Police.”

 

Several agencies and organizations will be participating, including local law enforcement and fire companies, Emergency Medical Services, the Ithaca Salvation Army, Cayuga Health Systems, Guthrie, and the National Weather Service Binghamton Office. A full list of participants can be found at www.flyithaca.com

 

“We invite everyone to come and learn of the many resources available to improve safety and well-being for themselves, their families and their community. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to be more informed and better prepared,” added Tompkins County Whole Health Communications Coordinator Shannon Alvord.

 

The Citizen Preparedness Corps training is at 10:00am. Each family that attends will receive a Disaster Preparedness Kit. Pre-registration is required at www.prepare.ny.gov. 

 

The Red Cross community blood-drive is from 10am to 3pm at Tompkins County Whole Health (55 Brown Road). Visit www.RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment.

 

Both ESPN Ithaca and Lite Rock 97.3 will be on hand to add to the excitement. Parking for the Airport Day and Preparedness Expo is provided at no charge in the long-term lot at the Airport.