Okanagan Science Centre to launch giant paper airplane this weekend

If you have a little science lover in your family there is an event in Vernon you’ll want to add to your weekend schedule.

The Okanagan Science Centre(OSC) is hosting a giant paper airplane launch this Saturday at 2 pm in Vernon’s Polson Park.

Created by OSC outreach coordinator Lucas Newman, the idea came to life thanks to a small paper plane sitting on his desk.

“I wondered how big of an airplane I could actually make,” said Newman and so he went to work.

“I spent some time analyzing the different types of paper airplanes used for speed, distance, and height and then chose based on that.”

Newman’s creation stands taller than he does at an impressive three metres high, it was crafted from poster board, tape and other materials to give it the correct shape.

“I really wanted to make this one long and for it to be able to garner a lot of distance and good air time,” said Newman.

However, the event is more so about cultivating a fun, family-friendly environment.

“We all know how much fun it is to make and fly paper airplanes and it’s something the whole family can participate in.”

Following the launch, children are invited to participate in the “Fold n’ Fly” competition where they can build their own planes for a chance to win prizes for longest distance, time aloft and most decorative.

The event is free to attend and all airplane crafting materials will be supplied for the OSC.

Afterward, attendees are invited to check out the OSC flight simulator (regular admission fees apply) or cool off in the Polson Spray Park.