Air Faire set Saturday
By Larry Meyer - Argus Observer
Thursday, September 13, 2007 1:02 PM PDT
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| Jet planes, like the ones shown above, will be part of the static displays at the Ontario Air Faire 2007 Saturday at the Ontario Municipal Airport. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. |
ONTARIO - One of area’s biggest annual events arrives this weekend when the Ontario Air Faire descends on the Ontario Municipal Airport Saturday.
The event starts at 8 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. and will showcase aerobatic performances, planes on display and live musical entertainment, including bands and vocalists.
The show has something for just about anyone interested in aviation. In addition, there will be a car show sponsored by the Idaho Oregon Custom Rod Club.
“The weather is looking good. We’re expecting about 7,000 people,” Roger Smith, Air Faire general chairman, said. “It’s free admission. Breakfast is free.”
Attendees will have three opportunities to catch the aerobatic performances — at 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Smith said. The aerobatic performances will feature Kathy Hirtz, Cresswell, flying a Pitts S-2B, who is making a return appearance at the event. Joining her this year will be Matt Groth, Everett, Wash., who will be flying a Decathlon. Both are veterans of the airshow circuit.
Also planned are low-level fly-bys by ex-military aircraft. On display at the Air Faire will be one of the largest private ex-military aircraft collections in the nation, Smith said.
Ontario resident Merle Maine owns the private collection of ex-military craft, and the displays prove to be one of the most popular items at the Air Faire, Smith said.
One piece of the collection, a F-5 Skylancer, was a test bed for the supersonic airliner, the Concorde, Smith said. The collection also includes an F-111, F-104, F-86 Sabre jet, a Blue Angels A4, plus a Russian-made MiG-17, MIG-21 and MIG-23. The planes are set to become the fleet of the planned Ontario Aviation Museum.
Also on display will be an Idaho Army National Guard Blackhawk, Lifeflight helicopters and many general aviation and homebuilt aircraft.
“We will have helicopter rides,” Smith said, and for the more brave and adventuresome, aerobatic rides will be available.
Sponsors include the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Aviation Museum Association, the city of Ontario and the Ontario Air Faire Committee.
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