We had a feeling that the March  2026 Watts For Breakfast?? was going to be a “big one”. As soon as it was advertised on social media that there was a very real possibility iconic warbirds such as the P51D Mustang and Supermarine Spitfire would be present, well, let’s just say the “Facebook Likes”  went through the roof.  Add to that an announcement that a Mustang ride would be raffled, and we knew we had to do some serious planning to make the day a success.

The weather leading up to the event was challenging. A few days of quite heavy rain saw the airfield closed during the start of the week.  Fortunately, everything dried out in time and all systems were go –  so bring it on !!

On Sunday, the skies were a touch gloomy, and the wind set a moderate challenge for the lighter aircraft. Nothing too untoward, but aircraft had to be flown all the way to the runway and then taxied with care to the parking areas.  Of course, none of these issues arose for the many many visitors who elected to drive or cycle in for breakfast.

And so the volunteer chefs (umm cooks, umm BBQ’ers ??) got to work. And work. And work. And Work. So much so that by the end of breakfast time, we actually ran out of food!! This is the first (and hopefully last) time this has happened. And based on the social media vibes,  extra supplies had been ordered in as a precaution!!  It was so intense we actually lost an accurate count of how many meals were dispatched, but a conservative number is around 230 plates!!   Similar story with the count of the aeroplanes that made the journey. Judging by the length of the lines in the parking area, this was by far the largest attendance for a breakfast at Watts Bridge, so somewhere in the order of 100-120 aircraft feels about right.  It’s been noted before, but worth stating again: It’s amazing how many “new” aircraft appear at these events. IE, Aeroplanes we have not seen before at the airfield.  Just how many are out there? Really??

As previously mentioned, a ride in the P51D Mustang was to be raffled, flown by pilot extraordinaire Cameron Rolph-Smith.  Bidding was intense, with over 150 tickets sold. Last year, there was a similar raffle, ultimately won by a very lucky young man, Lawson Gould.  Lawson’s story is here. Now here’s the incredible stroke of luck that befalls the few…. Lawson – yes Lawson Gould, also won this year’s flight in the Mustang!!  Again!! That’s for a second time in as many years!!  The chances of that??  Oh, about 1:15,000 give or take .   To his credit, it’s understood that Lawson actually donated his flight to his cousin, so good on you mate!!  Cameron duly fired up the Mustang, and the flight was taken (and enjoyed) on the day.

So, where to from here? There’s sure to be at least one more Watts for Breakfast?? in 2026. Think sometime during the Spring flying season, September – October, so keep a close eye on the Watts Website’s  Calendar of Events and also the Watts Bridge Facebook Page for the announcement.

As always, a big thank you to IGA Toogoolawah for their generous support and sponsorship of the wonderful Watts For Breakfast??

Till then…………