RESERVE — The Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport will serve as host of the Ford Tri-Motor Tour Stop along with the local EAA Chapter #971 April 26-29 at the airport in Reserve.

Lamarque Ford in Kenner will serve as the title sponsor.

“We are excited to be bringing this part of history right here to the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport,” said Paul Aucoin, executive director, “and we are grateful that Lamarque Ford has chosen to sponsor this event.”

The Ford Tri-Motor or “Tin Goose” was first built by the Ford Motor Company in 1929 and has an intriguing history, with roles ranging from service as a Cuban airliner to an extensive background fighting forest fires while transporting smoke jumpers.

After a thunderstorm wreaked havoc on the airplane in 1973, EAA Founder Paul Poberezny purchased the aircraft, which then underwent a 12-year restoration and returned it to touring status.

EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor has also made a celebrity appearance in two major movies: 1960’s “Family Jewels” starring Jerry Lewis and 2009’s “Public Enemies” starring Johnny Depp.

EAA’s Tri-Motor can carry nine passengers and every seat has a window. Passengers are encouraged to bring a camera to record and share this experience.

Tickets purchased in advance are $70 for adults. Walk up tickets are $75 and $50 for children 17 years old and under.

Book your spot on the historic “Tin Goose” through a secure flight-reservation system at flytheford.org. You can also pre-book a flight by calling 1-800-843-3612.

As title sponsor of this event, Lamarque Ford will be purchasing 100 flight tickets to be given to 20 children and parents from Children’s Hospital, 20 children and parents from St. Michaels, two tickets each for the first 25 car or truck buyers in March and 10 Facebook promotion random winners.

Ronnie Lamarque, owner of the Ford dealership, said he is honored, on behalf of special needs children, to provide the flight opportunity.

“This should be a wonderful, great experience,” Lamarque said.

EAA #971, based at South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport, will be on-hand selling tickets and assisting passengers with boarding during the four-day event. The local chapter has been associated with the Reserve airport since it was built approximately 30 years ago.

Chapter President Mike Saladino said they have sponsored fly-ins and Young Eagle fly-ins to promote aviation in the River Parishes.

“We hope this event will bring out the community to experience the living history of aviation and spark wonder in the next generation at its limitless future,” Saladino said.