Wings air show
doubles last year's attendance By MONROE
ROARK
Staff Writer
Last
weekend's Wings Over Dixie air show at Falcon
Field in Peachtree City was an overwhelming
success, with attendance at the two-day event far
beyond the organizers' expectations.
As
of Monday afternoon, the total attendance for
Saturday and Sunday was estimated at between
27,000 and 28,000. That is nearly twice as many
as last year, and thousands more than the 20,000
predicted to attend.
Some
of the credit for the turnout could be attributed
to the near-perfect weather, with clear skies and
highs in the low to mid-80s both days.
There
were virtually no medical emergencies the entire
weekend, with only one person transported from
the scene due to heat-related problems, according
to the Peachtree City Fire Department.
A
new addition to this year's event was the
Kidport, with several rides and attractions for
children. The Dixieland Fun Park train and two
Dynojumps were available for ticket holders to
enjoy, with proceeds benefiting three local
charities: Fayette Youth Protection Home, Starr's
Mill High School Interact Club (whose students
helped staff the area), and the Confederate Air
Force.
More
than $4,900 was raised for those causes at the
Kidport over the weekend, according to
spokesperson Danny Harrison.
One
of the highlights of the show was the appearance
of the B-1 bomber, whose performance stunned many
in attendance as it roared over the airfield as
if it would touch down before taking off back
into the sky.
A
crowd of people, young and old, stood in line for
a turn the cockpit of an F-16 fighter, which also
took part in the show. Visitors paid handsomely
for the chance to ride in a biplane or some other
historic aircraft available over the weekend.
A
host of World War II and Vietnam-era planes and
helicopters were on display at the show, with
many of them taking to the air to dazzle and
delight the crowds Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile,
civic groups such as the Peachtree City Kiwanis
Club were able to raise thousands of dollars for
worthwhile charities in this area.
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