Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
A day of flight, food and antique cars
NEW GARDEN » The sky was kind to New Garden Air Field’s Festival of Flight on Saturday, providing a deep blue background for a wide variety of airplane tricks in the sky.
The 46th annual air show attracted thousands to the small airport along Newark Road, and for much of the time those spectators were looking upward.
The formal opening was at noon, although people had been enjoying the traditional pancake breakfast since much earlier and, in the interim, had taken the time to survey the fleet of old planes in the tarmac.
The sky action began with a parachutist floating into the runway bearing an American flag as the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung, and it was followed shortly by an airborne display of airport-owned planes that were available with instructors for lessons.
The excitement started in earnest when Jason Flood took to the air in his biplane and did flips, dips and dives — even looping through his own tail vapor. He and his airborne performances were followed by many more throughout the afternoon.
From there, the air action continued with single-engine planes circling the site as well as old war planes flying in formation.
In between events, the crew of a bright yellow Coast Guard helicopter gave a demonstration of search-and-rescue techniques.
On the ground, a man from Vermont who had designed and built a jet-propelled racing vehicle blasted along the runway with plenty of noise and speed. The announcers joked that he had driven it down from Vermont pretty fast on Route 95.
In addition to a sky full of excitement, there was plenty to do and see on the ground, along with loads of aviation information from the reviewing stand.
While providing a steady stream of enthusiastic narration, the announcers spoke about the planes and their specifications with a background of World War II era music, especially Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood” and “String of Pearls.”
And that was appropriate, because most of the aircraft in the show were from the mid-1900s in general and the 1940s in particular.
One thing that was interesting to learn for those who had but a passing interest in aviation history, was that many advances were made in design and mechanics to increase the power and capability of war planes. In effect, World War II was an impetus to advances in flying.
For the thousands who strolled around the grounds, there were refreshments to suit every taste and souvenirs to please all ages.
There was also an extensive antique car show, with a selection that ranged from those still
on the road back to what appeared to be Ford Model T’s.
Additionally, a monster truck offering rides for a price was on hand.
With it all, the Festival of Flight Air Show is facing another day of clear weather and more excitement in the sky.
Again today there is a $7 pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. with a starting time in the sky of noon. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids and free for under 5. The airport is on Newark Road in New Garden Township just north of Toughkenamon. There is plenty of parking in the adjoining field.