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AULANDER – A shade over three months after unveiling its new and modern terminal, members of the Tri-County Airport Authority will have a chance to show it off to the general public.

The airport will host an Open House/ Fly in Day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. There will be different state agencies attending along with private planes and helicopters. There will be a food vendor along with plane rides and much more, promised Authority officials.

Admission and parking are free.

The new terminal formally opened in February. At that ribbon-cutting ceremony, Airport Authority Chair Tammy Lee said there were plans to hold a larger celebration, to include an open house and a fly-in, as soon as the health safety environment improves due to COVID-19.

The opening of the new 3,200 square foot terminal coincided with another milestone as the Authority recognized the work of its longtime Airport Manager Henry Joyner by naming the field in his honor.

For those familiar with the history of the airport, Joyner has been an integral part of its proud past.

“I started working here in 1973 as a flight instructor,” Joyner said during the ribbon cutting ceremony in February. “If you’re not an aviator, you probably wouldn’t understand what an honor it is to have an airport named after you. I want to thank the [Airport] Authority and our local county commissioners for keeping us going here for the past 40-plus years.

“For me and my family, this is where we spent a lot of time together over the years,” Joyner added. “This place is very special to me. I owe a lot to a lot of people; I appreciate everyone for everything you’ve done to get this new terminal.”

Joyner will be on hand to welcome those taking part in the Open House / Fly in Day on June 5.

Tri-County Airport at Henry Joyner Field is located off NC 561 between the St. John community and Rich Square.