PARKERSBURG - The sky was the limit at the 2012 Air Expo Sunday at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.
Thousands of people came to Gil Robb Wilson Field to watch a variety of flyers take to the air and dazzle them with formation flying, stunts and more.
Donna Rusche, co-chairman of the event, said just about everywhere she has gone around the airfield Sunday people had smiles on their faces and seemed to really be enjoying themselves. Interest in the show was high around the community, she said.
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Photo by Brett Dunlap
Wing walker Jane Wicker climbed, walked and hung on a biplane’s wings Sunday during the 2012 Air Expo.
"It has been outstanding," she said. "There have been more smiles than I have ever seen before."
People marveled at the flying of Team RV, a group of pilots who had built their planes and fly in formation and Curt Arnspiger of Columbus and his HA 200 Saeta Jet nicknamed the Screaming Arrow.
Kirk Wicker did stunts in a Cesna and later as the pilot for wing walker Jane Wicker, who climbed, walked and hung on a biplane's wings.
Beverly Russell of Marietta brought her 4-year-old grandson, Bryer Russell, to the air show to spend a day together.
"I have never been here myself," she said. "We decided we would do it together today. I like it and so does he."
Kathy Shields of Marietta just wanted to get out and enjoy a nice day.
"It was just a beautiful day," she said. "I just wanted to see the airplanes.
"It was a really good show."
Among Shield's favorite shows was Team RV.
Greg Reese of Cincinnati, a pilot with Team RV, said they were glad to make the show.
"We really enjoy it here. We have been really welcomed and have had a great time with everyone. The people have been great," he said. "We really appreciate the support and everyone coming out."
Seth Bertran of Marietta is a professional pilot and flies a 747. He brought his family to enjoy the day and show them a little of what he does.
"I can't take my kids to work, but I can take them out here and let them see a little of what my work is about and why I love it," he said.
Bertran praised the show.
"The community can come out and see what a nice airport Parkersburg has," he said. "I use to fly out of here years ago as a corporate pilot. It is a nice airport. The community may not know why their taxes go to the airport, but they can come out, enjoy it and see what their tax money buys."
Inflatables and a climbing wall for the kids were available. Planes also were display for an up-close look at the machines.
People enjoyed themselves, Rusche said.
She asked a couple in their 80s what they thought of it, and they loved the show, Rusche said.
The event relied on 80 volunteers from Camden Clark Medical Center, the Boy Scouts of America and civic groups from both sides of the river.
"It reached across both sides of the river," Rusche said. "They were all really appreciated."
Rocshe said donations at the gates were exceptional.
"All that we have gone through and all the work we have done to put this on, the donations coming in were outstanding," she said. "People just freely gave. That was a big 'thank you' to us and we want to give a big 'thank you' back to them."
