Event part of Stafford’s 350th anniversary celebration
The Stafford Rotary Club has partnered with the 350th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Committee to bring an extra special Wings and Wheels to the Stafford Regional Airport on Saturday, October 18. As part of Stafford’s 350th Anniversary, this year’s event will honor Stafford’s military heritage with highlights including a motorcycle and car show as well as a professional acrobatic air show. In addition to being part of Stafford’s yearlong 350th celebration, this year’s Wings and Wheels marks the event’s 10th anniversary in Stafford.
“We are thrilled to join with the Rotary Club to be a part of this popular family friendly event,” said Harry Crisp, Chairman of the 350th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Committee. “As a Stafford citizen, I have long been aware of the large military presence we have here and of the sacrifices our military families make. We thought Wings and Wheels would be the perfect venue to honor our military – both active duty and retired – and let them know how much we appreciate all they do for us.”
The gates at Wings and Wheels officially open at 10 am. and the event will run until 4:00 p.m. A full schedule of performers is planned throughout the day including the U.S. Army Parachute Team “Golden Knights,” 540 Boyz Motorcycle Stunt Group, and the Fly Radio Active Radio Controlled Aircraft demonstration. Headlining the day is the Bealeton Flying Circus Airshow, Scott Francis Airshows and the Nalls Aviation Harrier. In addition, the entertainment stage will have local performers and demonstrations throughout the day. A children’s area will have a video game trailer, moon bounce, face painting and other activities.
The Wings and Wheels Festival has evolved over the years to better serve the community but maintains its focus as a family-friendly event. A car and motorcycle show and demonstrations as well as antique cars, trucks and Government and military vehicle displays and exhibits will return this year. Local car dealers will also display their latest vehicles in a special area. A “Fly-in” will bring vintage, experimental, military, and other civilian aircraft and helicopters to the airport. Trophies will be awarded in several categories for aircraft, motorcycles and cars.
Back by popular demand, the Rotary Raffle’s grand prize of $5,000 in cash will be awarded to one lucky winner. Other prizes include a six-month family membership to the Rappahannock YMCA, a one-year pest treatment plan from PermaTreat, a full detail and 52 car washes from Rio Car Wash, two premiere level tickets per month for one year to the Paragon Village 12 and a two-hour Video Game Party from The E.D.G.E. Party Trailer. Tickets will be available on the day of the event for $5 each or 5 for $20. Winners do not need to be present to win.
More than 75 vendors will be available with a variety of crafts, jewelry, activities for children and delicious food and beverages available for sale. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs for the air show.
Vehicles displaying a handicapped tag or license plate, as well as all motorcycles will be able to park at the airport. All other vehicles must park at the following off-site locations: Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road; Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road; North Stafford High School, 839 Garrisonville Road; and Stafford Hospital, 101 Hospital Center Blvd. Transportation to the airport will be provided by buses from these locations to the airport from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For more information about Wings and Wheels, please visit stafford350.com or staffordrotary.org. The event is free and open to the public. The Stafford Airport is located at 75 Aviation Way in Stafford.
