EUGENE, Ore. — A piece of World War II history is spending the weekend at the Eugene Airport.

One of the remaining 13 active B-17 bombers in the country, the Aluminum Overcast, arrived in Eugene Friday is on display on the tarmac and in the air.

“I come every time a B-17 comes to town. This is my fourth time flying in a B-17,” said aviation enthusiast David Gault.

It’s an experience worth having time and time again. But whether it was their first time or fourth, hundreds gathered Friday to get an up-close look at a rare piece of world war two history.

“To see things like this, you just don’t see very many of them, and it’s a real true piece of history,” said aviation enthusiast Jim Thomas.

That’s why veterans, history buffs and aviation enthusiasts made the trip to the tarmac. Some took it in outside and some from within.

KEZI 9 News was one of the lucky ones who got to experience the aluminum overcast from its native environment–the sky. It was bumpy but beautiful.

The original parts and unique atmosphere could be felt from nose to tail, as we all took in the majesty and history that donned the dignified flyer–the reason everyone came to appreciate this one of a kind craft.

“Because it was the greatest battle the human race has ever fought, and this played a key part in that, in that battle,” Gault said.

The Aluminum Overcast is one of less than 20 of these B-17 bombers that’s still able to fly in the us, and it will be here through the weekend for you to come check out.

EUGENE, Ore. — Mid-May in Oregon is a perfect time to plant your summer garden.

This weekend you can pick up organic vegetables and flowers for a great price and help Food for Lane County.

Saturday, the youth farm is hosting it’s third annual Summer Plant Sale.

Ted Purdy, the Youth Farm Coordinator, talks about what the sale with offer and more about the farm.

The sale happens Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Youth Farm at 705 Flamingo Ave. in Springfield.

EUGENE, Ore. — The city of Eugene rolled out its big trucks and tractors for its 26th annual Public Works Day Thursday.

Hundreds of kids headed to Roosevelt yard for a hands on lesson in what it takes to maintain the city.

Armed with a safety vest, they went on a tour of what it takes to run the city.

When it snows, public works is working 24 hours a day. Also working 24-7 is Eugene police.

These kids go to see the flashing lights close up, listen to scanner talk, and one by one, get behind the wheel of a cruiser and then onto the fire truck.

What does it take to operate a bomb squad robot? They get to try it out. Plus try on a vest.

More than 1,300 students took the guided tour, navigating displays that teach about managing waste water and storm water, building and fixing street and taking care of city parks, which sometimes does includes climbing trees. In this case, it was climbing a rope.

It’s an eye opening for these young minds and educational.

Josh Richmond works for the city as an engineering permit technician. He remembers coming to Public Works Day as a student.

“When I was a sophomore in high school, we had a career day, and part of our career day was coming here and seeing what publics works does,” Richmond said. “I came back and started as a seasonal employee, and here I am 16 years later.”

It’s just one way public works is connecting with kids.

Something new this year is snow plow art work. Students at 4J’s Spring Creek Elementary designed a plow came which will be used on Eugene roads the next time it snows.

From plow operator, engineer, to fire fighter–these students got a chance to see what they could be. For now, it’s just fun imagining.

EUGENE, Ore. — Look up in the sky this weekend, and you may get a glimpse of World War II history.

The B-17 Bomber Aluminum Overcast is set to arrive Friday.

It’s one of only 13 fortresses still flying. This war bird travels the U.S. letting people see and experience American history.

Ground tours are available at the Eugene Airport, which are free for veterans. Anyone can also book a flight. Click here for prices and times.

Dan Pimentel, who helped coordinate this local B-17 tour, joined us live in the studio to talk about the tour.

EUGENE, Ore. – Sean Cuellar talked with Jerry Oltion of the Eugene Astronomical Society on its summer star watching parties.

The first star party starts at dusk on Friday, May 17. It takes place at College Hill Reservoir, 24th Avenue and Lawrence Street.

EUGENE, Ore. — Amateur musicians are picking up their instruments, and with guidance from the Eugene Symphony they’re playing again.

In its first year, 52 musicians ranging in age from 18 to 80 plus took part in the play it again series.

This is the second year. After months of practice, they’re prepared for concert happening May 14.

Joel Woods, one of the musicians performing, joined KEZI 9 News live in the studio to talk about the concert.

The Play it Again concert starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Soreng Theater at the Hult Center. Admission is free.

EUGENE, Ore. – If you’d like an active dog with some personality for your home, this one is for you.

Snoopy, our KEZI 9 News Pet of the Week, is 5  years old and is staying at Greenhill.

If you would like to adopt Snoopy or volunteer at Greenhill Humane Society, click here or call 541-689-1503.

EUGENE, Ore. — Construction continues at a University of Oregon museum.

A major construction project is taking place at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which will double the exhibition space.

The build out began in March and will transform a storage area into exhibit space, adding an extra 2,000-square-feet to the museum.

A $150,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services funded the project. The grant allowed for feedback and tests on potential displays during the planning process; what ultimately will go up in the space will be a collaboration of what people want.

“It’s going to be really exciting exhibit. We are going have a 7-foot-tall replica of a giant sloth, which is a large animal that used to call Oregon its home about 10,000 years ago. That’s going to be a major part of the new exhibit,” said Kristin Strommer, Museum of Natural and Cultural History spokeswoman.

Part of the exhibit will also display fossils from Condon Collection, many which have never been display.

EUGENE, Ore. — She’s headed Springfield Public Schools since 2003. And during that time, Dr. Nancy Golden has made tremendous strides for education.

This year she’s stepping down. Friday, the district is throwing a party to give the community a chance to say goodbye.

Dr. Golden will be at the party, but first, she joined us on KEZI 9 News This Morning for a interview.

Click on the video above to watch the entire live interview.

If you’d like to attend the celebration, if happens at 4:30 p.m. at Agnes Stewart Middle School, located at 900 S. 32nd St. in Springfield.

EUGENE, Ore. – There are a lot of ways to enjoy this mother’s day weekend. Here are some ideas from 104.7 FM KDUK’s Valerie Steele.

Out & About Links:

Chocolates and Chuckles Comedy Show

Emerald City Jazz Kings: The Life and Music of Judy Garland

Abolition Project Fashion Show

Make a Flower Bouquet for Mom

For more information on these and other great events, and to submit your own, click here.