Wayne County Airport keeps Halloween tradition soaring

The Wayne County Airport recently opened its hangar up to the community for its annual evening of trick-or-treating, a family-friendly event that has become a Halloween tradition.

Airport manager Matt Long said the event began in 2020 and has grown each year since.

“The pilots really look forward to it," he said. "They even dress up, and they donate all the candy."

This year’s event drew an estimated 375 trick-or-treaters, making it the airport’s largest turnout yet. The celebration coincides with Smithville’s community trick-or-treat night, which Long said makes it convenient for families to stop by both events.

Children collected candy among the hangars, viewed planes up close and talked with pilots.

“Parents appreciate that it’s safe, fun and educational,” Long said. “It also lets us showcase what the airport does for the county — everything from pilot training and emergency-service support to connecting people and businesses.”

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.