BARTONVILLE, Ill (WMBD) -- Airplanes, food and champagne were all at the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport on Wednesday as the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Guests were able to overlook the runway and see airplanes closer than usual. They also took pictures with a snow broom. MAAP owns and operates PIA and the Mt. Hawley Airport.

Gene Olson, director of airports, said airports help with economic development.

"Talk to a site selector for an economic development firm and you ask them, why did you put your factory in that community?, said Olson. "They may or they may not mention the airport, but if you ask them the other side of that coin and say, Why didn't you put your factory in that community? The lack of an airport is alw

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