Fundraiser celebrates Alaska's aviation history: salmon and vintage planes on the menu.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska This Month

Certain aspects of Alaska's history are inseparable from a spirit of adventure. Its rugged beauty, size and extreme climates make this a fact. An integral part of that adventuresome past is directly tied to aviation and the brave, free spirits who ventured across the state on cold wings of sometimes questionable durability.

This month, the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum invites everyone to honor the state's aviation history with an annual celebration. The Great Alaska Salmon Bake and Fly By is scheduled July 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at museum grounds at Lake Hood in Anchorage. The proceeds from this event will go toward new exhibits currently under development at the museum.

"It's just a fun day for the family to come out and enjoy," said Shari Hart, director of marketing and development for the museum.

Highlights of the day will include several vintage aircraft flying overhead, including a Grumman Goose, Hart said. The pilots are friends of the museum and volunteers who support its efforts. Aviation book signings by Arnold Griese, Jack and Sandy Webb, Steven Levi and John Cloe are also scheduled.

John Hume, an Alaska aviation artist, will be signing his prints, and live music will be provided by Mountain Echo and guitarist John Anderson. Ellen Paneok will be showcasing her aviation-themed ivory belt buckles along with other crafts.

This year, a silent auction will be held with a variety of unique items on the block. Visitors also will be able to view the museum's own collection of vintage aircraft and exhibits and try piloting the newest addition to the exhibits, a flight simulator. "It's pretty popular," Hart said, and was a busy part of the...