BRUNSWICK — Barring high winds, sleet, or snow, Steve Levesque will land his Cessna on the runway of the Brunswick Executive Airport on Saturday, marking its official opening.

In late January, the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, of which Levesque is executive director, celebrated the conveyance of the Brunswick Naval Air Station airport property from the U.S. Navy. Last week it received the deed, and now the airport is opening to the public.

“It represents the new beginning, it’s now open for commercial business,” Levesque said.

There to celebrate with him on Saturday will be dignitaries from around Maine. MRRA has invited Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, Reps. Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud, Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt, and several state legislators.

The event, which is open to the public, will begin at 1 p.m., right after Levesque makes his landing. It will include a raffle for a grand prize of two weekend passes worth $70 to the Great State of Maine Airshow on Aug. 26-28.

Earlier in the day, runners will take to the airfield for the Race the Runways mile, five-kilometer or half-marathon races. The shorter races take place entirely on the runway, while the half-marathon loops around the Brunswick Landing property, ending and beginning on the runway.

“Standing on the runways where the Blue Angels take off and land is awesome,” race director Mark Grandonico said. He said the venue is “unlike any other, offering a great chance for runners to have one of their best races.”

The first race begins at 8 a.m., and spectators are welcome.

Emily Guerin can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or eguerin@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @guerinemily.


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