Pilots have been participating in the Holly Run since 1968 when Edward H. Nabb, based at Cambridge-Dorchester Airport, delivered the first few bags of holly to two churches, Swain Memorial Methodist and New Testament, on the island for them to decorate for Christmas.
About 30-40 aircraft deliver holly to the island each year. Edward Nabb Jr. continued the tradition after his father died seven years ago, and the event has taken place every year except 2008 when the airport was being resurfaced.
Nabb’s cousin, Carlton Nabb, has cut the holly each year for nearly four decades and bagged it for the islanders to use to decorate their houses, yards, and golf carts. Even though Carlton won’t fly to the island as part of the holly run, he helps bring the holly to Cambridge-Dorchester Airport to be loaded on aircraft because he knows how important the holly is to the islanders.
There will be a safety briefing at the airport before the group heads south with Santa and his AOPA sponsored sleigh/Cessna Caravan. Chesapeake Sport Pilot is sponsoring the event this year. Pilots are asked to sign up at our web page http://www.tangierhollyrun.com/ and are asked to share empty seats via the ride board at that site. For more information contact mailto:info@tangierhollyrun.com
