Photo: People gather at the Stettler Flying Club for their annual Fly-In Breakfast on Sept. 1.

Despite thick smoky skies, the Stettler Flying Club’s annual Fly-In Breakfast drew a strong turnout on Sept. 1 bringing together pilots, aviation enthusiasts and local residents for a morning of food and flying.

Organized by COPA Flight 135, the event featured a community breakfast that filled the clubhouse and apron with visitors. Aircraft from across central Alberta flew in for the gathering, giving guests a chance to see different models up close and meet with their owners.

Alongside the meal, the club offered a flight simulator booth that proved popular with families and young visitors. Discounted sightseeing flights were also available for $75, accommodating up to three passengers under a combined weight of 400 pounds. Dozens of residents took the opportunity to see Stettler and the surrounding area from the air.

The sky started to clear as the event wrapped up.