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Culture_community
Flying High: Hickory Aviation Museum opens into new facility
A large crowd enjoyed free admission on May 16 to experience the
new space for the Hickory Aviation Museum.
ANNE THOMPSON photos / FOR THE PAPER
The museum’s beginnings date back to 1991 when a National Guard
helicopter transported an FJ-3 Fury from a park in Taylorsville to
the Hickory airport. Today, it’s the largest nonprofit aviation
museum in North Carolina.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson (left) and Lenoir Mayor Joe
Gibbons pose for a quick photo while attending the opening of the
Hickory Aviation Museum’s new facility.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
(Retired) Navy Commander Frank Weissner addresses the crowd
gathered at the museum grand opening event. He completed two tours
with the Blue Angels. He also did the low-level flying scenes in
‘Top Gun: Maverick.’
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
The aircraft at the Hickory Aviation Museum spans much of
military aviation history.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
The museum is part of the Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation
Complex, a 98,000-square-foot advanced workforce training and
educational facility.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
Hundreds turned out for the Hickory Aviation Museum’s grand reopening in its new facility on the northeast corner of the Hickory Regional Airport.
The Saturday, May 16, event featured special speakers, food and drinks, and, of course, plenty of planes and jets.
Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the museum serves as both a historical archive and a community hub. It offers a unique environment where veterans gather to share stories, providing a hands-on opportunity for younger generations to connect with aviation history.
The new facility will feature a constantly evolving collection, with new exhibits and aircraft added regularly to ensure a fresh experience for every visitor.
The museum is part of the Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex, a 98,000-square-foot advanced workforce training and educational facility located at the Hickory Regional Airport. Developed in partnership with Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, the center aims to prepare the next generation of students for high-demand technical careers.
— AKC
Community_news
'Local' is the No. 1 ingredient at the Morganton Farmers Market
Maria Simcox (left) prepares to purchase flowers from Stephana
Murran of Charming Gardens out of Lenoir at the Morganton Farmers
Market on Saturday, May 9.
LISA PRICE photos / THE PAPER
Paula Morgan of Hoof and Paw Farm talks with a customer about
goat milk soap.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Tim and Kim Wiles of Piperwood Farms Microgreens greet shoppers
at the Morganton Farmers Market.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Sherilyn Ritchie of Winding Road Apiaries offers a honey sample
to a curious shopper at the Morganton Farmers Market.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Individual flowers and bouquets were popular items at the market
on the day before Mother’s Day.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market also typically features
live music. May 9 featured Mary Ervin on fiddle and David Williams
on guitar.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Mother’s Day weekend began on a fresh note.
The sunny weather brought out hundreds to shop at the Morganton Farmers Market on Saturday morning. The sounds of Butterbeans Duo Mary Ervin and David Williams entertained shoppers that morning while the fragrance of fresh flowers, baked breads, and ripe vegetables floated through the air.
The Morganton Farmers Market is held every Saturday and Wednesday, from May through October. Local vendors bring their best fresh vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and more. Saturday’s market is from 8 a.m. to noon at 300 Beach St., where about two dozen vendors sell what they grow, bake, and make. Wednesday’s mini market is at 111 N. Green St., diagonal from CVS pharmacy.
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