Minneapolis Airport Runway Party Invites Censure

"By the MAC having a public event to celebrate this is essentially dancing on our grave," said Larson, shouting to make himself heard over the airplane noise during a news conference near the airport.

Hogan said the MAC does not plan to cancel the party, designed to let the public get their first — and perhaps only — chance to walk on the new runway's tarmac and celebrate the near completion of a $3.1 billion airport expansion.

"I think it is too bad that anybody would want to take a positive community event and use it for political gain," Hogan said.

Naomi Scott contributed to this report. Charles Laszewski can be reached at 651-228-5458 or claszewski@pioneerpress.com.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission will hold its free community runway event Saturday. It begins at 8 a.m. with registration for a 5K race and continues until 5 p.m. with bands, food, planes and other aviation equipment.

Free parking is available in lots on the airport's west side, along Longfellow Avenue (the street immediately east of Cedar Avenue and accessible from 66th Street and 24th Avenue) and on 82nd Street between 24th and 28th avenues near the Mall of America.

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