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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