On Sunday, September 13, Hawkefield (CHF4) in Orono welcomed pilots, cyclists, families, and friends for the 30th Annual Barnyard Fly‑In, a gathering held in warm and heartfelt dedication to the memory of Hannu Halminen.

The day began quietly under a blanket of heavy fog. Warm air settled over the grass strip, giving the property a soft, peaceful feel. Inside the main hangar, the song (High Flight) Requiem For A Pilot by Dave Hadfield played gently, setting a reflective tone for the morning. Outside, the mini Mustang stood where Hannu’s Mustang had been displayed every year, a simple and touching reminder of his presence.

Earlier in the morning, between forty and fifty cyclists gathered for a tribute ride in honour of Hannu, who was not only a skilled aviator but also a dedicated endurance cyclist. Karen Halminen guided the group out from the property in a UTV, and once they reached the road, the cyclists continued their route before returning around 11 am. It was a meaningful gesture that reflected Hannu’s passion for both flying and cycling.

As the fog lifted, Hawkefield slowly came alive. The first aircraft to arrive was a Bellanca, touching down at 9:48 am. Soon after, more aircraft appeared one by one, followed by visitors arriving by car. Pilots greeted each other, familiar faces reunited, and the friendly spirit that has always defined this fly‑in returned once again.

One of the most memorable moments of the day came from the DC‑3 Basler conversion. She performed a graceful flypast, landed, and parked on the field, drawing everyone’s attention. Watching her lift off again later in the afternoon left a lasting impression and became a powerful centrepiece of the dedication.

Throughout the day, guests wandered the grounds, admired visiting aircraft, and enjoyed catching up with fellow aviation enthusiasts. Hot Diggity Dog’s food truck and Mooolala’s ice cream bus added a fun touch, and the traditional free sweet corn was enjoyed by all.

Before the event wrapped up, raffle prizes were presented. One winner received an acrylic print of Hannu flying his Mustang, another received a print of Hannu flying alongside the CF‑18, and the final prize offered a special opportunity to meet the Pitts Special pilot and enjoy a flight in the Pitts.

The Barnyard Fly‑In has always been about community, friendship, and a shared love of aviation. This year, it was also about remembering a remarkable man whose spirit touched so many. Hannu was unstoppable in everything he pursued, and his legacy was felt in every corner of Hawkefield that day.

A warm thank you goes to the Oshawa District of the Recreational Aircraft Association for organizing the event, to Karen Halminen for opening her home airfield once again, to the dedicated volunteers, to the cyclists who came together for the tribute ride, and to everyone who attended. This gathering was truly for Hannu, and it showed.

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