Fourth of July Fly-In Tradition and Change
By Mari Radtke
The annual July 4th Fly In breakfast served up pancakes for area residents and air travelers for decades. Originally established as a Flying Club fundraiser, the event continues as a fundraiser. A variety of organizations’ members have joined together to assist with needed funds while providing fluffy pancakes and delicious, locally made sausage. Small aircraft have come from all over to eat breakfast near the lake.
Although the organizations providing the food and service have changed from Flying Club to Ambulance, Fire and more, the event has been in the capable hands of two neighboring 4H clubs in recent years, The Caledonia Ramblers and G&W Feeders. Together, the two clubs serve generally the southern part of O’Brien County 4H.
Big shoes were filled for the Caledonia Ramblers following the retirement of long-time leader and Fair volunteer Dan Hunt. Mike and Becky Meyer accepted that challenge and have filled those shoes with all the talent and knowledge necessary to maintain a high performing 4H club. On the east, similarly recent to the position are Bomber and Amy Fuller.
The four leaders have joined forces to give their club members the opportunity to earn community service hours and to raise funds. The agreement is for the raised funds to go to O’Brien County Fair improvements. In addition to this food fundraiser, the two groups will be again joining forces to provide hamburgers to the rodeo crowd on Tuesday evening right at ringside. Together these efforts have helped bring a new, free entertainment event to the O’Brien County Fair!
The 2025 Fly In breakfast was attended by approximately 547 individuals and about a dozen planes came to Paullina for a holiday stop.