Arrowhead Eagles celebrate 75 years of aviation in Cook County at annual fly-in/drive-in pancake breakfast on September 16
The weather forecast for the upcoming annual fly-in/drive-in pancake gathering at the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport this weekend appears promising.
On Saturday, September 16, the Arrowhead Eagles will host the annual fly-in/drive-in pancake breakfast at the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport. The event will occur from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. and is open to the public.
In addition to serving warm blueberry pancakes, the event will feature a special award ceremony starting at 10 a.m. to commemorate 75 years of aviation in Cook County.
“We’re going to pay homage and give honor to Clarence Krotz,” Mike Raymond, president of the Arrowhead Eagles, said. Krotz was instrumental in fostering aviation in Cook County after purchasing property on the north side of Devil Track Lake in 1945 and starting an airport.
During the awards ceremony, the Arrowhead Eagles will present a plaque to Krotz’s daughters, Kathy and Ginger. Recognition will also be given to past airport advisory committee members who helped create the existing Grand Marais/Cook County airport.
Leading up to the event, the organization worked closely with the Cook County Historical Society to gather historical aviation photos and information and will have those on display for attendees. “They’ve been very helpful, and we appreciate the collaboration with the Historical Society,” Raymond said.
The annual pancake breakfast event serves as a fundraiser for the Arrowhead Eagles, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals aspiring to pursue careers in aviation or attain a pilot’s license. Since its formation, it has given away multiple scholarships and involved a dedicated volunteer group.
Most recently, the Arrowhead Eagles awarded a $2,500 scholarship to Vaughn Swindlehurst and a $ 1,500 grant to Jordan Ekroot.
With the promising weather outlook for Saturday, Raymond said the organization will offer discounted airplane rides and the opportunity to see the fall colors from a different perspective.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Mike Raymond about the annual fall aviation event. Audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins September 14, 2023
