June 07--The long history of Yuba County aviation will receive front-and-center treatment for the three-day Golden West Regional Fly-In & Airshow this weekend at the county airport in Olivehurst.
With a theme centered around the airfield's 70th anniversary, as well as special recognition of the 70th anniversary of Camp Beale and the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, vintage aircraft will be a key component, said airport manager Mary Hansen.
One of the centerpiece attractions, she said, will be the World War II B-17G bomber "Sentimental Journey," which will be be on display and available for rides and tours.
"It was here last year, but that was more unplanned," Hansen said. "It's just interesting to see how these planes actually worked during the war."
More modern aircraft will also be part of the air show, with FA-18 Hornet jets from Naval Air Station Lemoore performing aerial demonstrations on all three days. During the demonstrations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon, there will be one-hour road closures on Arboga Road between Seventh Avenue and McGowan Parkway.
Also, people can participate in simulated missions of what the Air National Guard would perform, and record thank-you messages for members of the military serving at home and overseas.
As in past years, all three days will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by the air show, forums and workshops. Vendors will exhibit new aircraft, avionics and pilot supplies, and the Kid QwestTM hangar will have hands-on activities for children.
The Young Eagles program will schedule flights for children ages 8 to 17 years old. And the event's last day on Sunday will feature a midday tri-tip cookoff of local barbecue kings, Hansen said.
Based on attendance in past years, organizers expect about 10,000 people to attend the fly-in and air show, she said.
CONTACT Ben van der Meer at [email protected] or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.
Copyright 2012 - Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
