DANVILLE — Like the United States itself, Patriots Day will offer a diverse mix of events — from a somber service honoring those who made sacrifices to light-hearted contests and nostalgic displays.

“If ever there’s a day, if ever there’s a time … we want Americans to come out and show us what they’re made of,” said Mary Morrison-Gagnon, who’s coordinating the special day.

Saturday’s events at the Vermilion Regional Airport begin with a breakfast at 7 a.m. and conclude by 10 p.m.

Local residents will have a chance to show their multiple sides: from somber to curious to generous to silly.

The day is a mixture of fund raising for Toys for Tots, educational displays about emergency and police services, fun activities such as a pin-up contest and a serious time to honor the victims of 9/11 and others.

The highlight will be around noon, when there will be a military fly-over and a short service for the victims of 9/11, first responders and fallen soldiers.

Leon “Junior” Downing, a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, expects an Air National Guard unit to fly over. He’s not sure of the exact time, however, depending on the weather and the unit’s schedule.

Morrison-Gagnon said there will be a flag raising and a moment of silence, as well.

After that solemn ceremony, people will celebrate being an American, she said, adding, “People want to do something that’s not cry-in-your-beer day.”

The day starts with a breakfast of pancakes/ sausage and biscuits/ gravy from 7-11 a.m. for $6. It’s the annual fly-in breakfast sponsored by the EAA at Cloud 9.

A variety of planes will be on display until 4 p.m., including home-built and war birds, member Gayle LeCount said. People can meet local and regional pilots and collectors to learn more about the field of aviation.

Also, the EAA will sign up youth who are interested in the Young Eagles program for ages 8-17. Those young people can learn more on Sept. 18 when plane rides will be offered.

LeCount said the breakfast is always conducted in early September. However, with it falling on the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks, Morrison-Gagnon and her husband, Bob, airport manager, came up with the idea of adding more activities and calling it Patriots Day.

LeCount called Saturday’s upcoming event “wonderful” and praised Gagnon-Morrison for coordinating it. “She’s kind of an angel that stepped forward and gave us a lot of help in promoting the airport,” he said.

Another event that was already planned for Saturday is American Graffiti Night, which begins at 4 p.m. That part of the day is being coordinated by the Junkyard Dogs Auto Club; car registration is $10 and parking per carload to see the show is $5.

A big part of the day will be fund-raising events for Toys for Tots, including food sales: hot dog and chips for $5, bottled water for $1, and pulled pork sandwiches and chips for $6. Food will be catered by the Danville Boat Club.

Also, there will be raffles and a 50-50 drawing. One of the raffle items is a hand-made quilt with a 9/11 tribute theme, donated by the Diane Carlton family.

Hot air balloons with 200-foot tethers will give people “rides,” from 3-5 p.m., for $10.

People also may bring their vintage car, or any vehicle, and photos will be taken of the vehicle with a “pin-up” girl for a donation. The photos will be taken by Pam Messick of Covington, Ind.

Proceeds from those activities will go to Toys for Tots.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be static exhibits and displays, as well as demonstrations, featuring emergency personnel and the military. Local veterans groups will have information and recruit new members.

The displays and demonstrations include the Marine Corps League, American Legion, War Museum, Army National Guard, remote-control airplanes, volunteer fire departments, DARE, K-9, SWAT team and Vermilion County Animal Shelter Foundation adoption trailer.

At 4 p.m., there will be a “pin-up” contest for women and men age 21 and older. Contestants should dress in the 1940s-50s style, and the winner will be chosen by the audience. The contest is sponsored by Julee’s Shooting Star. Donations go to Toys for Tots.

Music will be offered, too, including guitarist Mike Harmon from 1-5 p.m. inside Cloud 9 and The Silvertones beginning at 6 p.m.

At 6 p.m., motorcyclists will gather at Gutterridge Harley-Davidson on Georgetown Road and parade through town, arriving at the airport after 7 p.m.

The schedule

7-11 a.m. — Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In Breakfast

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Sign-up for Young Eagles

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Aircraft static display

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Exhibits and demonstrations

Noon — Military fly-over and short service

Noon to 9:30 p.m. — Toys for Tots fundraiser inside Cloud 9 and outside in picnic area

Models dressed in vintage costumes will pose and sell pictures next to aircraft

1-5 p.m. — Mike Harmon performs

3-5 p.m. — Hot air balloon tether rides

4 p.m. — Graffiti Night registration begins

5-6 p.m. — Pin-up contest

6 p.m. — Hot air balloon launch

6 p.m. — The Silvertones; car games played during band breaks

7 p.m. or after — Harleys arrive          

COMING UP

Patriots Day will start with a breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by displays, food, demonstrations, hot air balloon tether rides, a motorcycle parade, music, a pin-up contest and more until 10 p.m. Saturday at the Vermilion Regional Airport on North Bowman Avenue. There will be a  flyover and short service at noon.