Airplanes and Coffee In Gainsville Texas
AIRPLANES AND COFFEE
Duane Clawson
6/16/20262 min read
All photos © Red River Current Media 2026
The Gainesville Municipal Airport recently hosted a truly unique gathering: Airplanes and Coffee! Dedicated to fostering a passion for aviation, this organization hosts events across the country to educate the public and inspire the next generation of pilots and enthusiasts. This particular stop on their 2026 tour was billed as the "Pancakes and Live Concert Fly-In," an engaging fundraiser designed to support the organization's mission through memberships.
Walking the grounds, I was struck by the impressive variety of aircraft on display, ranging from nimble training planes and classic biplanes to iconic Cessnas. It was inspiring to watch aviation fans, local families, and veteran pilots mingle, sharing the stories of their aircraft and the personal histories that fueled their love for flight—a passion I share, rooted in my grandfather’s service as a WWII aircraft mechanic.
The highlight of my day was encountering a stunning, fully restored 1942 Waco VKS-7F. The pilot shared the plane's incredible journey: discovered in New York, transported by barge down the Hudson River, and meticulously restored over fifteen years to period-correct perfection.
Waco aircraft hold a special place in my heart, as they were manufactured in my hometown of Troy, Ohio—a city that continues to honor that legacy through the Waco Museum and Learning Center. You can imagine my excitement when the pilot asked for a hand pushing his Waco from the soft grass onto the tarmac for takeoff; I was more than happy to help! For more information on upcoming events and to stay connected, be sure to follow the Airplanes and Coffee Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/airplanescoffee.
