The "Wings Over Wahpeton" airshow will feature the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron Canadian Snowbirds, Pietsch Air Shows out of Minot, Jim Pietz in his extra 300L and World War II military aircraft like the B-25 Bomber and P-51 Mustang. There will be seven to eight North American World War II aircraft featured in the show, which is pretty rare — they include P-38 Lighting, P-40 Warhawk, B-25 Bomber, TBM Avenger, T-6 Texan and T-28 Trogan.
Those flying in the show are all donating their time and aircraft for the free event as a tribute to the late Gerry Beck, who died in a plane accident in 2007. It is also a show geared toward youth, said Cindy Schrieber-Beck, who is organizing the event.
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In December, Warren Pietsch of Pietsch Air Shows called Schrieber-Beck to let her know he suggested Wahpeton as a stopping point for the Canadian Snowbirds on their way to Louisiana. Schrieber-Beck brought the information to the Wahpeton Airport Authority, who loved the idea.
"The airshow has just exploded because we have world class aerobatics and war birds coming that most air shows don't have," she said.
Beck was friends with the Pietschs, which is why Warren Pietsch suggested Wahpeton as a stop, Schrieber-Beck said. Every pilot performing in the show, except the military pilots, knew Beck, "and the rest know of him," she said.
The show has been in the works since December and in the last two weeks, Schrieber-Beck said they have invited schools to come to the event. They now have 1,800 students attending and she hopes to reach the 2,000 student mark. If schools want to bring students, call 642-5777.
There will also be several different planes on display for students to tour. "It is more of a self-guided tour. There will be a person at each plane to give a history and answer any questions," Schrieber-Beck said. The planes will be lined up behind the hangars.
Even though the show is free to the public, it is not free to host. Beside the pilots donating their time and efforts, the Wahpeton Airport Authority with the assistance of generous sponsors will supply vehicles, hotel rooms, oxygen and other maintenance aspects for those flying in to perform in the show. "There is a 60 page manual for the Snowbirds, everything from how the airshow box is done and waivers for airspace," Schrieber-Beck said. "There's a tremendous amount of detail." If all expenses were paid, the event would cost about $80,000.
Schrieber-Beck also said the event is incredibly orchestrated "in order to have all the planes flying at the same time. Warren [Pietsch] is taking care of all that." There is a sound crew and an announcer donating their time and equipment for the show as well.
After the show, there will be rides available in the B-25 Bomber at $395 and the P-51 Mustang at $900. Schrieber-Beck said the B-25 Bomber can hold five passengers at a time. They already have one flight booked and are looking at another. The cost per person per flight helps defray the cost of hosting the show, Schrieber-Beck said.
There is a M*A*S*H theme party the evening of the airshow, which is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased beforehand or at the door. There will be food, beverages, music and a Hotlips Houlihan contest, which anyone can enter. There will be various types of music from local people and the event is catered. "We want the event to pay for itself," Schrieber-Beck said.
There will be no parking on the airport, unless its prearranged, Schrieber-Beck said. "They will have to walk a little ways." Safety is foremost on her mind as there will be so many students attending. All students will arrive on school buses, but will be dropped at the entrance to the airport and buses will be parked off site. Those attending should feel free to bring a chair otherwise they will have to stand.
K.Peterson wrote on May 7, 2009 11:17 AM:
Amanda wrote on May 5, 2009 3:07 PM:
DF wrote on May 1, 2009 10:01 PM:
L Kirsch wrote on May 1, 2009 9:41 PM:
Wahpeton Airport
Wednesday, May 6th
11:30 - 1:00 "
me wrote on May 1, 2009 2:40 PM:
Carol Travers wrote on May 1, 2009 12:05 PM:
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lilamy wrote on May 1, 2009 9:38 AM: