Planning for the Wings & Wheels show comes in the wake of cancellation of military air shows across the nation.
This file photo shows A B-25 Mitchell bomber flying over a Westfield International Air Show. Gen. Hap Arnold's B-25 will be among the vintage aircraft set to participate in the first edition of the Great New England Wings & Wheels show in August at Westover Metropolitan Airport in Chicopee. CHICOPEE – The Galaxy Community Council, the charitable organization which has assisted the Westover Air Reserve Base’s 439th Airlift Wing and other military-related groups for more than two decades, is planning a new event to at least temporarily fill in the gap left by the absence of a major military air show in the region.
The “first edition” of the Great New England Wings & Wheels show will debut Aug. 24 and 25 at Westover Metropolitan Airport, 255 Padgette St.
Planning for the show came about in the wake of the federal budget sequestration’s effects on military air shows around the nation. This show will take place on the civilian portion of Westover and is not expected to include any active military aircraft.
Organizers say the Wings & Wheels show will “be the best and only opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to see vintage civilian and military aircraft” in the region because of the cancellation of shows like those previously held at Westover and at the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield.
This show will include a display of Air Force Gen. Hap Arnold’s B-25 Mitchell bomber and other World War II aircraft.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the, the Pioneer Valley USO, other military assistance organizations, the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield and “the next edition” of the Great New England Air Show at Westover Air Reserve Base.
Along with the static vintage and modern aircraft, there will also be displays of classic cars, from early 1900s vehicles to “modern exotics.”
Music groups, along with food and beverage vendors, will be offered throughout the weekend. Admission will be $10; children under 12 will be admitted free.
The events schedule, prize schedule, musical line-up, gate and registration fees, and additional acts are still to be determined.
Car registration forms will be available online at greatnewenglandwingsandwheels.com in the near future. Sponsorships, as well as food and merchandise vendor booths, are available.
