ARLINGTON – While folks in our area love to go to Leavenworth this time of year for the fall colors, Katie Stevens enjoys heading this direction for Community Airport Day.

It would more accurately be called Kids Airport Day as most of the activities are for youngsters.

Stevens used to live in Arlington so she knows all about it.

“It’s so much fun,” she said Saturday.

Stevens was at the Snohomish County Search and Rescue Kids Helicopter, where youngsters can simulate driving and riding in one. Junuh and John Baker of Stanwood were enjoying their chances at the controls.

Junuh later was seen at the controls of an airplane simulator.

Nathan Reitz of Renton brought up a 3D virtual reality plane trip used with a computer.

“I wanted to give the kids an opportunity” to see what’s like to fly a plane, Reitz said.

Nate Swails and his daughter Alyssabeth were at another station where they could build a soaring airplane and paint it.

Among the static displays was a replica of the famous Spirit of St. Louis. The plane was so stripped down to save fuel that it didn’t even have a front window. The pilot used a small scope on the left side of the plane to look forward.

The highlight of the day, as always, was the free flights offered for youths by pilots who volunteer their time and fuel to give back to the community.