'Treats on Tarmac' draws crowd to airport

Despite overcast weather and the threat of rain, a flock of costumed trick-or-treaters arrived at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport on Tuesday night for the first “Treats on the Tarmac,” the airport’s version of a community trick-or-treating event for families.

The event was designed to introduce the community to the airport while providing Halloween-themed fun.

A variety of booths and stations organized by community organizations and businesses — along with static aircraft parked on the airport’s tarmac, courtesy of the airport and private aircraft owners — lined the area, ready to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters and chat with families.

“We have new owners, and we’re starting to try to get out into the community,” said Tabitha Tinnell, warehouse manager of Lark Electric, one of the event’s sponsors.

In addition to handing out candy, the staff from Lark Electric brought several service vehicles, including trucks with boom lifts, out to the tarmac.

“We just like seeing the kids and having fun in the community,” Tinnell said.

Along with the Lark Electric station and the aircraft displays, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Owensboro Police Department, AMR and Ghostly Productions brought vehicles for trick-or-treaters to explore. The Ghostly Productions crew parked its signature classic hearse behind the table where members handed out candy in costume.

Other booths included Southern Star, Owensboro Health, Jagoe Homes, Civil Air Patrol Squadron 223, Rock Solid Aviation, Independence Bank and Raising Cane’s.

But the chance to see the airplanes seemed to be the biggest draw for many trick-or-treaters.

Heather and Seth Ross brought their two children, Axel, 4, and Charlie, 2, who was dressed as a princess, because Axel wanted to see the airplanes.

“He’s obsessed with airplanes,” said Heather Ross. “And it’s Charlie’s first Halloween that she knows what’s happening, so she’s been pumped to get out and trick-or-treat.”

Kaitlyn and Morgan Horn also brought their boys, Asher, 2, and Oliver, 5 months, both dressed in matching Scooby-Doo costumes, to see the airplanes.

“He (Asher) really wanted to see the airplanes,” Kaitlyn Horn said.

Other families said their kids love Halloween and dressing up as their favorite characters, so they were taking advantage of free community events.

“Might as well get to use these costumes as much as we can,” said Taylor Hall, who visited “Treats on the Tarmac” with her husband, Seth Hall, and their two girls, Evie, 2, and Ellie, 3, dressed as Minnie Mouse and a Disney princess they had chosen themselves.

“They love dressing up, and it’s a free event, so we thought we’d get out,” said Seth Hall as the family approached the balloon archway leading into the event.

Some families even came fully dressed in costumes — adults and pets included.

The line of booths and stations concluded with an area for eventgoers to take photos and selfies, provided by Event Kode.

Food, beverage and snack trucks were also set up on the airport property for families to purchase treats as they left. Vendors included Real Hacienda, Cold Stone Creamery, Traveling Tom’s Coffee, Kona Ice and J’s Good Grub.

Event and candy sponsors included Owensboro Health, Titan Aviation Fuels, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Atmos Energy and German American Bank.