Mark your calendars for a timeless Outer Banks tradition returning this winter as the Dare County Regional Airport will host the 27th annual Candy Bomber Reenactment on December 12 and December 13, commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The upcoming two-day event will feature historic aircraft tours, a VIP appearance by Santa Claus, and the beloved candy drop tradition for local children.
Festivities kick off Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving families a chance to tour the historic bomber and meet the flight crew. On Sunday, Dec. 13, event activities run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting with Santa’s grand arrival at 12:30 p.m. The Littles Candy Drop for ages 6 and under is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by the Big Kids Candy Drop at 2 p.m., where parachuted candy bags will drift down from above, including special numbered parachutes redeemable for prizes.
Ahead of the event, organizers are accepting charitable donations to support the effort, which must be received by Dec. 5. Checks should be made payable to The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation/Manteo Candy Drop and mailed to:
Candy Bomber 2026
c/o Karin Edmond
P.O. Box 1226
Manteo, NC 27954
For donation details or additional information, contact Karin Edmond at (252) 473-1795.
