Alexandria, VA—Teams of various shapes and sizes, intent on pulling 145,000 pounds of aluminum, camouflaged as a 727, will descend on Washington Dulles International Airport for its 7^th Annual Plane Pull as part of Dulles Day on Saturday, June 5 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission to the airport Open House is free.

Over the last six years, the Airports Authority estimates that over $250,000 has been raised for the Virginia Special Olympics through this event.

"This is a great opportunity for Dulles Airport to support an important program like the Virginia Special Olympics and to open the airport to the community with displays and information about the world of aviation," says Keith Meurlin, Dulles Airport Manager.

Dulles Day not only features the annual Plane Pull, but offers activities for all ages. A car show featuring antiques, hot rods, motorcycles and other vintage vehicles will be sponsored by Rosenthal Automotive and Geico Direct.

A variety of planes will be on display for visitors, including military, commercial and civilian aircraft. There will be a police badge and patch collectors show and a special Kids Korner featuring a moon bounce, ball crawl, face painting, balloon sculpturing and games. Airport police and other public safety agencies will provide demonstrations of equipment and K-9 dog team demonstrations. Visitors will also have a chance to win fabulous prizes, including free movie tickets from AMC Theatres, airline tickets, and a chance to win a three-year lease on a new automobile from Rosenthal Automotive.

The first ever Plane Pull was created at Dulles Airport in 1992 to raise money for the Virginia Special Olympics. Although similar events are now held across the country at other airports, Dulles’ Plane Pull is the original and is organized by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department.

Teams of twenty people will be vying for the championship by pulling a 727 jet aircraft donated by Federal Express. Each team donates $1,000 to the Special Olympics.

The official radio station for the Plane Pull, WBIG Oldies 100 FM, will provide music and "color commentary" during the competition.

For more information, log onto the event web site at www.planepull.com which is also linked through the Authority web site at www.mwaa.com.

Parking for the Dulles Day is also free. Follow signs on the airport which will read Dulles Day/Plane Pull Parking."

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