Boeing kicks off 100-year anniversary celebration



SEATTLE -- Boeing celebrated a huge milestone Friday -- 100 years in the aerospace business.

As part of the celebration, current and former employees attended Boeing’s Founders Day event at the Museum Of Flight.

The event kicked off  with a display of numerous planes as well as some flyovers by popular aircraft.

The event will run all weekend and all of the activity can create some distraction for drivers along Interstate 5.

Washington State Patrol is warning drivers not to stop on the shoulder of the freeway or you will be cited.

The sound of a Model 240 plane echoed over the skies above Boeing Field.

It was part of celebrating a 100 years of aviation and a century of connecting the world and beyond.

“I think it’s overwhelming. It’s really incredible to work for a company who has been involved in so much and who’s heritage is just incredible,” said Lauren Fambrough, a Boeing employee for the last 10 years.

“Throughout the past 100 years, Boeing and its employees have led with innovation and have taken the world from sea planes to space plane. From walking on the earth to walking on the moon across new frontiers and beyond,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing president and CEO.

The event is drawing current and former workers and their families, and for some, Boeing is an important part of their family history.

“My dad worked here I worked here, my uncles all worked for Boeing, so it’s quite the legacy here,” said Jeff Hope, who has worked for Boeing for 41 years.

At the Founders Day event, more than 20 historic and current aircraft are on display.

“Being a part of is kind of cool, you know? I’m excited for it because why not, it’s history. I work there and hopefully I’ll retire there in 30 years,” said Roger Claflin who’s been with Boeing for five years.

The Washington State Patrol anticipates those who can’t get in might park along Interstate 5 near Boeing Field to get a look at the planes.  The slowdowns and distractions could be dangerous.

For this reason, WSP is adding extra patrols between Tukwila and Seattle for this event.

Troopers are prepared to hand out $136 tickets for anyone who stops illegally on the shoulder to watch the planes.

“The flybys are something else and it looks like it’s going to be a great show,” added Hope.

Boeing expects that nearly 100,000 people will come through this weekend’s event.

The event and the Museum of Flight is closed to the public this weekend.