West Mifflin, Pa. – It’s easy to visualize Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman walking out of the Allegheny County Airport’s Art Deco terminal in hats and trench coats and bidding farewell on the runway.
And now that new restorations and renovations are complete, the historic terminal is ready to celebrate its 90th birthday, looking a lot like it did when it opened in 1931 – with a modern touch.
Allegheny County Airport will mark 90 years of flight with a community celebration of art and history on Sept. 25 from noon – 7 p.m. at the airport. The Community Arts Festival is being held in partnership with the West Mifflin Community Foundation.
“Allegheny County Airport continues to be a key community asset as one of the busiest airports in the state,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “From its storied history to its present-day importance, AGC has been an economic generator for the Mon Valley and beyond for nine decades.”
The event’s opening ceremony will start at 1 p.m. featuring state, county and local officials. The Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard and the West Mifflin High School Marching Band are part of the ceremony, as well as state Sen. James Brewster, Reps. Nick Pisciottano and Austin Davis, Fitzgerald, County Councilman Bob Macey and West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly.
“The community has always been a part of Allegheny County Airport, and we are excited to celebrate our 90th year of aviation service with the community,” said Traci Clark, Vice President, AGC. “Bringing together art and history is a perfect way to commemorate this milestone, especially as we unveil our newly renovated terminal building to the public.”
The Arts Festival will welcome more than 20 artisan and crafter booths, six live performances including American Idol season 17 contestant and West Mifflin High School graduate Nate Walker, and digital and static art displays from local high school students. Local muralist Zachary Rutter will be on hand for a live painting event outside the terminal where visitors can watch as he creates custom artwork in celebration of the anniversary. In addition, there will be food trucks and a variety of vehicle and aviation displays including a C-17 from the 911th Airlift Wing, Stat MedEvac aircraft, and Airport Authority fire trucks.
“What better location than a beautiful historic art deco building like the Allegheny County Airport to host our Arts Fest event,” said Raymond Rost, foundation president. “The facility and grounds have been a central part of our community for 90 years and we’re excited to bring the community together there to celebrate both local art and history.”
The airport recently underwent a two-year, $2 million grant-funded renovation project that improved the facility’s restrooms and vestibule area and converted more than 4,600 square feet into event and conference space. Under the direction of DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design, the renovations preserved the building’s art deco style and design while updating the terminal into a more modern and functional space.
“Allegheny County Airport is part of our history and we look forward to it being a bright part of our future,” Kelly said.
Allegheny County Airport was among the leading airports in the country when it opened. It was the third largest in the U.S. and the first with a hard surface. Today, it is among the busiest airports in Pennsylvania and handles approximately 60,000 operations a year, all noncommercial flights.
The anniversary event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. More information about the event, a full schedule of performances and a list of art and crafter booths, can be found at www.WestMifflinCF.org/upcoming.
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC), is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader. ACAA was named by Fast Company magazine as One of the Most Innovative Companies in the World as well as a finalist in its World Changing Ideas awards, both in 2020. The airports’ Safe Travels initiative commits to the highest in public health and safety standards in the airport industry. The initiative, in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outlines best practices for keeping travelers healthy. For more information, visit www.flypittsburgh.com.
About West Mifflin Community Foundation:
The West Mifflin Community Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting the Borough of West Mifflin and surrounding communities through educational support, charitable giving, and disaster relief. We support the Borough of West Mifflin, West Mifflin Area School District, local organizations, and the surrounding communities through fundraising, volunteerism, and grant application support. For more information, visit http://westmifflincf.org/.
For information contact:
Bob Kerlik
P. 412-472-3557
[email protected]