By Betsy Finklea
Aviation Week was celebrated at the Marion County Airport on Thursday, May 1st.
Rev. James Smith of East Dillon Baptist Church offered the invocation and blessed the meal. He said this was a great time to come together as a community and that things were growing at the Marion County Airport. He referred to I Timothy: Chapter 2.
County Administrator Chavis Watford said she was excited to have the opportunity to welcome everyone to the celebration. She recognized the county council members and other officials in attendance. She said with council’s support they can have events like these and can work to expand the airport.
Councilman Dewayne Tennie said it was a great day in Marion County.
Gary Siegfried of S.C. Aeronautics introduced District 7 Commissioner Chris Bethea and former commissioners Bud Coward and David Anderson. He said there were 58 public use airports in South Carolina and said that airports are more than runways, taxiways, etc. He said they are the gateway to the community, and it may be the only impression that someone gets of your community.
He told them to ask themselves what their airport said about the community and stated that the airport staff at the Marion County Airport made a tremendous statement.
He said the airport is also the connection to other communities and the nation’s airways and provide essential services.
Siegfried said that airports are a tremendous spark plug to the economic vitality of this state creating more than 6,000 jobs and having a $1 billion economic impact.
Others also offered remarks.
Dan E. Lockemy kept the music flowing. In addition to a delicious meal, guests enjoyed a car show and got to view various airplanes. Trophies were awarded to winners of the judging contest.
Charles Taylor is the director of the Marion County Airport.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC
