Update
Well, I fired up Smokey on Friday morning and flew through hazy skies to Frasca Field. I expected a torrent of "Frasca traffic ..." calls on the radio as I neared my destination, but heard only one lone Luscombe. Turns out, it was the DAR who signed off Smokey landing ahead of me!
I only stayed on Friday, which really was just when people showed up for the Big Event, and having neglected to bring my camping gear, had to leave before the cookout.
I strolled around the field, poking my nose into each of the hangars. The cafe is adorned with a gazillion RC planes hanging from every nook and cranny of the ceiling ...
A few shots of the hangar residents on the field ...
One advantage to showing up early was the opportunity to just sit around and listen as some of the stalwarts of our hobby reminisced about their heyday. It was a real treat to sit there in a small circle of chairs, listening to the likes of Paul Poberezny and Rudy Frasca recall some of their more interesting tales.
At one point, I spied a Sharpie in Paul's pocket. At a lull in the conversation, I said, "Paul, is that a Sharpie in your pocket?"
He looked down, pulled it out and answered, "Yeah, you want to borrow it?"
"No," I replied, "but I'd be happy if you'd put it to good use and sign my airplane."
He smiled and said, "Sure, bring it over here." Laughing, he got up and waved me to follow him to his golf cart, and we headed over to where Smokey was parked ...
There aren't too many people whose autographs I'd want on my plane, but Paul is one.
Next year, I'm taking my tent.