2008 Air Expo on tap for Sept. 28 at MOV Regional Airport
By WAYNE TOWNER
WILLIAMSTOWN - As the 2008 Air Expo scheduled for Sept. 28 approaches, new attractions and exhibits are being added to the full day of activities at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.
"It's getting better and better every day," said event chairman Greg Smith.
New additions to the expo's presentations include T-34 airplanes, Bell 206 helicopters and an acrobatic flight demonstration by Chris Keegan in a DR 179 model plane, Smith said.
Admission to the air expo is free and gates will open at 10 a.m. Sept. 28. On-site parking is $7 a vehicle, while free parking with shuttle buses will be offered at the Williamstown Visitors Center and West Virginia University at Parkersburg.
The theme of this year's event is "A Salute to Those Who Serve," said Smith. The Air Expo will not only focus on the branches of the military, but will also have displays and exhibits focusing on emergency responders, law enforcement and firefighters. The Air Marshall for the show will be Gov. Joe Manchin, Smith said.
One of the main draws for this year's Air Expo will be the U.S. Army Golden Knights Jump Team. The Golden Knights are scheduled to make two jumps during the event, at 1 p.m. to kick off the afternoon's aerial activities, and at 4:20 p.m., the final performance before the show-ending candy drop at 4:50 p.m.
The Golden Knights perform precision aerial maneuvers while falling to earth at speeds reaching 120 miles per hour, then landing dead center on target.
Some of the static, or ground, displays will include an F-18 Hornet, numerous ultralights from the West Virginia Fun Flyers, a C-130 from the U.S. Army National Guard in Charleston, helicopters, a U.S. Army National Guard UH-1 Huey Helicopter, the Rolllin Oldies Antique Car Show, a U.S. Army Humvee, the Pioneer Corvette Club Collectors Display and others.
Live entertainment will be featured throughout the day by Johnny Staats, The Fossils, The Richards Brothers, the Pipes and Drums of St. Andrew, Stone Road, Ohio Valley University Express and others. More information is available at www.flymov.com/airshow.
On the Friday before the Air Expo, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a reception at the Parkersburg Art Center, 725 Market St. in downtown Parkersburg. Admission is free to art center members and $5 for non-members.
The art center exhibit will feature works from the Pentagon's Air Force art collection, including works by Rick Herter, an Air Force artist who is known for his 9/11-related paintings. Most of the pieces will be on display in the art center's mezzanine through the end of October.
Herter is expected to be present for the reception, Smith said, and will also be participating in the Air Expo at the MOVRA airport terminal on Sept. 28 where some of his works will be on display.
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The schedule of entertainment and activities will include:
10:45 a.m.: Jump USA (stage).
11:45 a.m.: Pipes and Drums of St. Andrew (stage).
12:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremony (stage).
1 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights.
1:14 p.m.: Stone Road (stage).
1:20 p.m.: Mid-Ohio Valley RVator Formation Flying.
1:40 p.m.: Curt Arnspiger Saeta Jet Demo.
2 p.m.: Mike Lakin Citabria Acrobatics.
2:10 p.m.: Richards Brothers (stage).
2:20 p.m.: Cessna T-50 Flight Demo.
2:40 p.m.: U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet Demo.
3 p.m.: Blennerhassett Area Radio Control Club, Vienna Sky Sharks and Flying Wing Nutz.
3:10 p.m.: Fossils (stage).
3:30 p.m.: Curt Arnspiger Saeta Jet Demo.
3:40 p.m.: Mike Lakin Citabria Acrobatics.
4 p.m.: Robert Baranaskas P-51 Demo.
4:10 p.m.: Ohio Valley University Express (stage).
4:20 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights.
4:50 p.m: Mark Mondo Candy Drop.
5:10 p.m.: Johnny Staats (stage).
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mythravere
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09-21-08 12:35 AM
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Cant wait gonna be cool wish there was more warbirds.
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