Johnson honored at 35th annual Marion Fly-In Cruise-In

After 35 years of bringing vintage airplanes, classic cars and visitors to Marion, Ray Johnson was honored Saturday for his role in making the Fly-In Cruise-In a longtime community tradition.

Johnson, who founded and has coordinated the event since 1991, was presented with membership in the Indiana General Assembly’s Circle of Corydon during the 35th annual Fly-In Cruise-In at the Marion Municipal Airport.

Indiana State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves presented the honor, which was issued with the involvement of Gov. Mike Braun. She said Johnson’s work has always been about serving others rather than receiving recognition.

“You’ve not done this ever for your gain, but always for the gain of others,” Goss-Reaves told Johnson when giving him the award.

Johnson was also recognized by State Sen. Nick McKinley for his dedication to preserving and promoting Marion and Grant County’s aviation and automotive heritage.

McKinley said Johnson’s behind-the-scenes work is part of what has made the event successful.

“I didn’t know you’re the one that started and coordinated [the event] until someone told me,” McKinley said. “But that just tells me you’re a workhorse.”

The Fly-In Cruise-In has also become an important fundraiser for local organizations. What began as a fundraiser for the Marion High School Booster Club has since benefited Cancer Services, Gilead Ministries and the Grant County Rescue Mission.

Goss-Reaves said the event’s pancake and sausage breakfast raised more than $45,000 for the community last year. She estimated that more than $1 million may have been raised over the event’s history.

Johnson credited his wife Judy for supporting his passion for aviation and classic cars and helping make the event possible.

“None of this would have happened without her support,” Johnson said.

More than 200 volunteers helped with this year’s event, while visitors and aircrafts traveled from multiple states.

Marion Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. said the event continues to grow and has become one of the city’s signature traditions.

“It gets bigger and bigger every year,” Morrell said.

For Indiana Wesleyan University aviation student Maria Downs, the event is also an opportunity to introduce people to IWU’s aviation program.

Downs, a junior who has attended the Fly-In Cruise-In for the past three years, said the event allows students to meet people interested in flying and pursuing aviation careers.

For Goss-Reaves, the Fly-In Cruise-In represents more than an annual gathering of aircraft and automobiles. She said she remembers attending with her grandmother, Mary, who loved airplanes and would watch them fly overhead.

“I only really knew about her love of planes because I would come here with her and watch her face light up,” Goss-Reaves said.

After receiving the awards, Johnson thanked the volunteers, the city and the visitors who have supported the event over the years.

“As long as we can walk, we’ll keep doing it,” Johnson said.