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Chicago Trivia: Fly, Fly Away
25 March 2008 Send To a Friend
Five years ago this Sunday, construction crews ripped big X’s in the runway at Meigs Field. I remember it well because I had taken my son the previous October for a flight from the airport in a single engine plane. From 1994 until the airport’s unexpected closing, the Tuskegee Airmen and their Young Eagles offered free flights for kids to introduce them to flying. As I heard of the police-guarded demolition in the middle of the night, I was grateful that my son had the opportunity to experience the intimate aerial tour of Lake Michigan, and saddened that he was one of the last.
The former airstrip is now home to Northerly Island. The Charter One Pavilion concert venue attracts big-name acts with big-ticket prices, but the Chicago Park District continues to provide free events for kids and families.
When did the airport officially open? To win this week’s prize of two $25 certificates to Dragonfly Mandarin Chinese Restaurant, email your answer to trivia@thelocaltourist.com by midnight on March 30.
Congratulations to Consuelo! She knew that the Chicago River was reversed in 1900 and she and a guest will be attending the Wine & Chocolate Tasting hosted by 220 Communications.
