Elizabeth City , N.C. — Last December, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen had children jumping for joy when he sailed chocolates aloft on tiny parachutes from the “Spirit of Freedom,” a restored 1945 Douglas C-54 aircraft. The “Candy Bomber,” who piloted the famous 1948-49 Berlin Airlift, returns to Elizabeth City with more treats Dec. 5 when the Elizabeth City Regional Airport (ECG) presents its First in Flight Festival.

Featuring free airplane rides for children, remote control air shows, special hangar and aircraft tours and a re-enactment of the airlift that brought sweets to West German children, the free festival is an opportunity for children to learn about  aviation history — and North Carolina’s future as a burgeoning aerospace state.

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