Free Air Show at Walnut Ridge Airport May 6th
The Wings of Honor Air Show will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Walnut Ridge Regional Airport on Saturday, May 6. In addition to the air show, which is free of charge, the event will feature vendors, a bounce house, helicopter and airplane displays, World War II era tractors, cars and model airplanes, as well as military equipment and vehicles. Helicopter rides can also be purchased.
The air show will include a Bulldog Formation performance, Yak Acrobatics, Sukhoi Aerobatics and a Red Thund performance that features a T-28, Yak-52 and two CJ6s. The audience will also be able to meet performers after the show.
Veterans will be recognized for their service and are encouraged to attend, particularly World War II veterans.
The 75th anniversary celebration is intended to pay tribute to the airport’s origins as the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School in World War II. Over 5,300 young pilots trained at the facility, including 42 who were killed while training there.
The Wings of Honor World War II museum at the airport has preserved the history of the base and many other facets of the war. The museum will be open during the celebration Saturday.
Gates to the airport will open at 10 a.m. on May 6, with the veterans’ tribute and air show starting at 12:15 p.m. There is no admission charge. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and binoculars.
