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What a Great Week It Has Been at Sentimental Journey!

This was the week that had something for everybody.

Sentimental Journey 2025 started slow, with problematic winds, off-and-on rain, and low ceilings. But Thursday the weather gods finally smiled upon Lock Haven, and from then on it was FABULOUS. We enjoyed beautiful flying weather and a flurry of new arrivals crowded the ramp. By Friday night the attendance set a new record for any recent S-J event. Visitors and campers included people who came to Lock Haven from Florida, Iowa, and even Hawaii. Friday was "Youth Career Day" and we emphasized the opportunities in aviation by hosting recruiters and career advisors from nine local aviation schools, businesses and airlines. Saturday was "Community Day" in Lock Haven and Sentimental Journey joined the fun with free admission for everybody all day. Those folks were entertained with spot-landing contests, a car show, educational forums, food trucks, and Young Eagle rides for teens. Of course, by this time the campground was full.

The flying on Thursday, Friday, and especially Saturday was stellar. Saturday saw a beautifully restored WACO arrive and give free "Young Eagle" rides to local kids. (Can you imagine the thrill of getting your first airplane ride in a 95-year old airplane?) A yellow-and-blue PT-19 World War II warbird arrived. A husband and wife from Jersey Shore, PA, arrived on their powered parachutes early in the dawn (the eleven mile commute took thirty minutes each way). There were Stearmans, Aeroncas, a rare Davis monoplane, and a passle of other birds this writer didn't get a chance to identify.

Now the campground has become quiet. The last flyers have returned to their homes. The final RVs have trundled over the dike, heading towards Interstate 80. The crushed grass runway will have the rest of the summer to recover. And we start planning again for the 2026 Sentimental Journey, our 40th edition, always and exactly one month before Oshkosh.

Sentimental Journey Always Is Affordable, Family-Friendly Flying Fun!

Welcome to Sentimental Journey

Now into our 40th year, this year’s fly-in will be bigger and better than ever. Sentimental Journey Fly-in began in 1986 with a group of dedicated volunteers working to recognize the aeronautical heritage of Lock Haven, the city where Piper built airplanes for fifty years. Now our vision has broadened to help both flyers and non-flyers to enjoy the wonder of aviation, and to recognize the scientific, intellectual, and economic benefits aviation has brought to humanity. And, we have a great time while we do that!

In a normal year, we expect about a hundred of those wonderful Piper aircraft to return to their original nest. But make no mistake — Sentimental Journey welcomes all flyers and their flivvers, including Aeroncas, Beechcraft, Bellancas, Cessnas, Cirrus, Citabrias, Cubcrafters, Decathlons, Diamonds, Luscombes, Mooneys, Pitts, Stearmans, Stinsons, Swifts, Taylorcraft, Wacos, Vans, and just about anything else with wings. Everybody and every plane is welcome!

By the way... If you enjoy general aviation, then you should join the Sentimental Journey family. All members receive a membership card, discounted prices on entrance fees to the fly-in as well as discounts at at the semi-annual pancake breakfasts at the airport in Lock Haven.

Mark Your Calendar! The 40th Annual Sentimental Journey Fly-In

Opens on Tuesday, June 23th and Runs through Saturday, June 27th, 2026