Washington Island’s Lions Club knows how to throw a party. The annual Fly-In Whitefish Boil is not only a great time – it’s also the Island Lions Club’s biggest annual fundraiser.
In previous years the hard earned, or rather, hard-boiled funds have been used to create scholarships for local students, install a new bathroom, running water, and showers at Schoolhouse Beach, and to upgrade the Island dentist’s clinic – a ticket of $30,000 in itself. These improvements are valuable to tourists and vacationers, especially the Schoolhouse Beach enhancements, but even more valuable to the residents of the island. “The money pretty much stays on the Island,” says Greg Gaura, a Washington Island resident and Lions Club member.
In 2010, 140 planes flew in to Washington Island’s airport to enjoy a time-honored Door County tradition. This year, with Pilots of America planning to join in again, the attendance is expected to grow. For those of us flightless, don’t be discouraged: the annual Fly-In welcomes Boat-Ins, Drive-Ins, and Walk-Ins as well!
Admission for adults is $12; students and kids are only $5. The festivities include hayrides, live music, planes on display, and of course, an authentic Fish Boil Dinner with locally caught Whitefish. Fly, ride, or walk to the Washington Island Airport on Saturday, July 16th, from 11am – 3pm, for an authentic Door County experience.
(Photo courtesy of Ron Overdahl, ©2010)
