PORT ANGELES — Talk about a cool Father’s Day gift.
Wings of Freedom stop coordinator Alan Barnard and Ruddell Auto Mall owner Howie Ruddell have announced an essay contest for a father-son or father-daughter flight aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress.
The iconic World War II-era aircraft is one of three that will land in Port Angeles on Monday, June 20, for the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom tour.
‘Why I Love My Dad’
The essay “Why I Love My Dad” must be kept to 250 words or less.
Entries can be delivered in person or mailed to Ruddell Auto Mall, 110 Golf Course Road, Port Angeles. They must be received by 10 a.m. Friday.
Be sure to include “Father’s Day Contest” on the entry with a contact phone number and email address.
As a sponsor of the Wings of Freedom tour stop in Port Angeles, Ruddell has access to a flight on the B-17.
Ruddell and Barnard are donating their own seats to the winner of the essay contest and his or her father.
“It’s the day after Father’s Day,” Ruddell said.
“And one lucky father will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Ruddell said he was moved by a flight he took on a B-17 in an earlier Wings of Freedom stop. He said he wanted to share that experience with someone else.
Ruddell described a “ripple effect” to the contest, in which every father who receives an essay will win a thoughtful gift from his son or daughter.
“That’s a plus all the way around,” Barnard said.
There are no age restrictions or limitations to the contest.
The winning essay will be selected Saturday.
________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com
