The blond, boyish idol of the American public, Charles A. Lindbergh, stole the show at the dedication of Kansas City's airport Aug. 17, 1927. By mid-morning on dedication day spectators were heading for the field on foot or by special buses which carried them from 5th and Broadway. This account appeared in The Star: The long walk in the sun did not lessen the crowd's enthusiasm. Carrying camp stools or old boxed for improvised seats, opera glasses and cameras, they formed a steady stream. Warned of mud, most women wore dark shoes and hose, but their dresses were colorful and flags fluttered from coat lapels and children's hands. Many carried picnic lunches and baskets of provisions for the children to make a day's outing out of this chance to see Lindy. At 2 p.m., on schedule, Lindbergh's plane circled the business district and headed for the airport. In his short address at the dedication stand he praised the accessibility of the field, saying it was nearer the heart of the city than any he knew except those in Brussels and Paris. After the ceremonies Lindbergh rode through the streets packed with cheering crowds, over one of the longest parade routes in the history of the city. The route along Grand, Linwood and the Paseo ended at Muehlebach Field, 22nd and Brooklyn, where 10,000 persons awaited his arrival. There he spoke on his favorite subject, the advancement of aviation. The 17 merchants who ran a 1/2 page sketch of Lindbergh in The Times expressed the feelings of Kansas Citians in the few lines below his picture. They wrote: Welcome Lindy - By your bravery, courtesy and modesty you have won everlasting fame and honor for your nation, your state and your profession. We are proud to welcome you to Kansas City. Kansas City Star, October 21, 1972.
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