General aviation pilots from near and far, along with Orcas Islanders, will meet at the Port of Orcas next weekend, Aug. 5-7, for the annual Orcas Fly-In. Admission is free.

“Orcas Islanders are encouraged to join fly-in participants at pancake breakfasts or evening potlucks, to stop by and look at the wide variety of small planes that will be parked at the airport, to enjoy the classic cars on display or just to come by and say hello,” said 2011 fly-in coordinator Bob Cook. “It’s fun to be around aircraft, to hear the engines running and to see planes taxiing. The best part of the fly-in is that islanders can be part of it in a safe, exciting environment.”

The fly-in is hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 937 Orcas, which also hosts the Young Eagles.

Each year 100-150 aircraft attend, making the 2,900-foot Port of Orcas runway and grounds a very busy place. Pilots relax, camping underneath or near the wings of their aircraft. Old-fashioned airplanes, seaplanes, “warbirds” and experimental aircraft will be on display. The Orcas Road Classic Car Club will also display about 40 cars owned by Orcas Island residents, which are the best examples of classic cars in the area.

The Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighters will host pancake breakfasts at the Eastsound Fire Hall from 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Fare will include sausages, eggs, coffee and orange juice. The Food Shack will be managed again this year by Velma Doty, an Orcas Island icon. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and other goodies can be purchased from 12 to 5 p.m. on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday.

The community is also invited to attend evening potlucks at Craig Nelson’s hangar, held Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer, call Bob Cook at 376-5028.