Members of the Enid Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) landed in Cherokee early Saturday, Oct. 8, to give rides to the youth in the Young Eagles program. The rides were part of the October Stroll in Cherokee.

Derrick Courson

Members of the Enid EAA enjoy a hamburger lunch at the Alva Regional Airport Oct. 8 after giving rides to youth in Cherokee during the October Stroll.

After that program the Enid group headed to the Alva Regional Airport where they were provided a tour of the Kinzie Museum. The tour was followed by a hamburger lunch cooked by local pilot Bob Baker and hosted by airport staff. Airport Manager Derrick Courson said the Enid group landed in a total of 10 planes and about 40 people attended the lunch.

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated 30 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane. It's the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. Nearly 2.3 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles program. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.