Santa To Take Flight At Airpower Museum

The holiday spirit will take flight at Farmingdale’s American Airpower Museum on Saturday, December 12, as the museum hosts its Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast, bringing together families, Santa Claus and some of America’s most famous military aircraft.

The festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the museum’s Hangar 3 at Republic Airport, featuring breakfast, Christmas decorations, holiday music and opportunities for photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Folks will enjoy hot pancakes with butter, maple syrup, sausages and beverages,” said Robert F. Salant, the museum’s public relations representative.

Families can also enjoy tram rides around the outdoor aircraft ramp, weather permitting, before exploring the museum’s extensive collection of military aviation exhibits.

“They can mix and mingle with Santa at a fun community event for the entire family,” Salant said in announcing the celebration.

The museum’s collection includes legendary World War II aircraft such as the B-25 Mitchell bomber, P-51D Mustang, P-40M Warhawk Flying Tiger, TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and C-47 Skytrain.

Visitors can also explore Cold War-era aircraft, including the F-105 Thunderchief and A-10 Thunderbolt, affectionately known as the Warthog.

Admission, including breakfast, museum exhibits and tram rides, costs $20 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Breakfast seatings are scheduled for 9, 10 and 11 a.m., with reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits, at $25 for adults and $15 for children.

The museum, located on the former Republic Aviation manufacturing site, preserves America’s military aviation heritage through its historic exhibits and operational aircraft.

Proceeds support the nonprofit museum’s mission to preserve aviation history and honor American veterans.

Salant encouraged families to participate in the fundraising tradition and “Help Keep ’Em Flying!”

Reservations are available at www.americanairpowermuseum.org or by calling (631) 293-6398.