By JANET McGREGOR
Contributing Writer

“The 1998 show was terrific! It's a great place to take the family, see the planes up close, and then enjoy watching skilled pilots fly them.” — Peachtree City Mayor Bob Lenox

“This event will surely fire the hopes of any young boy or girl who dreams to be a pilot or have a career in aviation. Here is an opportunity to let your imagination soar with the eagles.” — Fayette County Sheriff Randall Johnson

Wings over Dixie attracted up to 17,000 spectators in 1998. The organizers are expecting a substantial increase in attendance for the two-day Wings over Dixie '99 Festival and Air Show in September.

The reasons? One is the demise of the Dobbins Air Show. According to Ross Berry, Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, “We will now be the only air show in the Atlanta area.”

Hollis Harris, CEO of World Airways and one of the sponsors of the show, said at the recent Air Show kick-off, “I'm a big fan of aviation and I think it's great for Peachtree City to be filling the void.”

Another reason is Lewis Jordan, well-known CEO of AirTran Airways. Not only has AirTran signed on as a title sponsor, but Lewis Jordan is serving as Chairman of the Wings over Dixie Advisory Board. His involvement has contributed to another factor which is already increasing public awareness of the upcoming air show - a number of notable sponsors have committed their names, money and time.

Compaq Computers, WSB Radio, Longhorn Steakhouse, Gene Evans Ford and Hertz Rent-a-Car are just a few of the many larger sponsors. Numerous local sponsors have joined in supporting the air show also.

Berry noted, “Lewis [Jordan] brought a vision to Wings over Dixie, and has helped tremendously in raising awareness of this great event.”

Community leaders in Fayette County, Fayetteville, Tyrone and Peachtree City have all committed support to the show this year. “Last year was phenomenal,” said Berry. “This year our expectations are much higher, partially as a result of the commitment of the community,”

According to Jim Friday, Air Show Chairman, “Peachtree City Council member Annie McMenamin has been a big help. A lot of the additional community support can be chocked up to Annie.”

Congressman Mac Collins noted, “The show promised to bring our community together, inspire us to reflect on the sacrifices which have made America great, and cause us to appreciate the skills of individuals who pilot the aircraft our military sends into the sky. I am looking forward to being a part of this event.”

Some of the airplanes which will be on display at the Air Show include a 1943 SBD-5 Douglas Dauntless, which has undergone a $100,000 restoration, and an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

AirTran will be giving away eight sets of airline tickets each day as well as other family trips. There will also be food provided by the Peachtree City Kiwanis, the Optimist Club and the Booster Club.

In addition to airplane tours, there will be a model automobile show, aerobatic air shows, and other entertainment. There willbe a large number of experimental airplanes on display from the Experimental Aircraft Association. There will be a contest for the “best” in the various shows determined by the show visitors. There will also be a “kiddie park” with rides, face painting and other attractions.

Parking will be available at the Peachtree City-Falcon Field Airport and at the nearby Starrs Mill School Complex. Bus service will be running back and forth on a regular basis from Starrs Mill. Per Friday, “This worked out real well last year.”

Part of the proceeds raised by the Air Show will benefit the Fayette Youth Protection Home, including the Friday Home. Other beneficiaries will be the Kiwanis Clubs and the Dixie Wing of the American Airpower Heritage Foundation (AAHF).

Friday noted, “Every dime raised from the Air Show will stay in the community.”

Wings over Dixie will be held on September 11th and 12th at Falcon Field in Peachtree City. For sponsorship information, contact Jim Friday, Director of Fayette Youth Protection Home at 770-631-2469 or Ross Berry, Treasurer for the Fayette Youth Protection Home at 770-716-8796.

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