Annual event celebrates history, entertains audiences

This weekend Peachtree City will host the largest military flying demonstration in the state for the year, thanks to the United States Air Force and the tenth edition of The Great Georgia Airshow (GGAS). The air show, a much-anticipated annual event, kicks off tomorrow and will run through Sunday at Falcon Field. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Dixie Wing, the event will combine spectacular aerobatics, an unprecedented collection of modern military aircraft, and a birthday celebration to do good in the local community. Proceeds from the two day event benefit local non-profit organizations, including school groups and Scouts.

This year the U.S. Air Force is observing its 60th anniversary since it became a separate military service on September 18, 1947. Peachtree City and the Great Georgia Airshow were chosen as an official venue for Air Force Week Atlanta when Atlanta was one of only six cities selected to host Air Force Week celebrations. The kick-off for Air Force Week Atlanta was held at the Georgia State Capital building in February when Governor Sonny Perdue welcomed the “Heritage to Horizons” Air Force theme celebration to Georgia.

“The Air Force participation this year brings an exciting new dimension to GGAS,” said Jerry Cobb, air show director. “Thanks to the support of the Air Force and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, we will have more military aircraft, new exhibits and special guests.”

The Air Force Heritage Flight, flying a modern F-16 Falcon and WWII P-51 Mustang, will pay tribute to America’s veterans and will be joined by the Viper East F-16 Demo Team and the Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Jump Team. The Air Force Week Atlanta Committee and WWII veterans will launch GGAS at media day today at Falcon Field.

Civilian acts scheduled to perform are The Flying Farmer, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, Gary Ward Airshows, Greg Koontz Airshows and Red Eagle Air Sports and the Air Force Reserve Biplane. The extremely popular Super Shockwave Jet Truck will again thunder down the runway at 350 mph.

In keeping with the “Heritage to Horizons” theme, the CAF Dixie Wing will showcase its growing collection of vintage World War II and Korean War-era aircraft. The organization, based in Peachtree City, is the Georgia chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, an international non-profit dedicated to restoring and flying vintage American military aircraft.

“The Great Georgia Airshow has become one of Peachtree City’s premier events, made possible by nearly 250 volunteers who donate thousands of hours,” said Cobb. “The spirit of the Kiwanis is very much a part of GGAS.” Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

“We offer entertainment and activities for the entire family, but more importantly, the air show allows us to serve the community by providing non-profits with an opportunity to raise money,” remarked Cobb.

Groups and vendors will be selling arts and crafts, souvenirs and food throughout the weekend. Saturday’s program will be capped off with a benefit gala dance, complete with silent auction and buffet dinner at the CAF Dixie Wing Historical Airpower Facility.

Advance tickets can be purchased at selected Kroger stores or online at www.aircraftspruce.com. Tickets are $13 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children age 5 and below get in free.

Tickets will also be available at the gate for $18 for adults and $7 for children ages 6 to 12. Gala tickets can be purchased separately for $50.

Gates for the big event will open at 9 a.m., with aerial performances from 1-5 p.m. To better ensure security and safety, absolutely no coolers, backpacks, or pets will be allowed. For more information on the show, visit www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com or contact 770-632-0365.

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