History, aviation and antique cars come together at the 46th annual New Garden Flying Field Festival of Flight Air and Car Show. Slated for Aug. 19-20, the event spotlights World War II-era planes and more modern aricraft, and features aerobatic performances, demonstrations and rides.
“It’s one of the longest-running consecutive air shows and one of the few smaller airport air shows left,” says Jon Martin, New Garden Township’s aviation director and festival coordinator. “One thing I love about New Garden’s show is that it’s very up-close—you’re walking around WWII aircraft, from P-51 Mustangs to B-25 Bombers.”
Performances include an aerobatic display by the P-51 Mustang. Also on hand: a C-54 beauty used in the Berlin Airlift. Guests can walk through the plane, which will stay grounded throughout the festival. Those looking to get in the air themselves can hop aboard a Cessna or a PT-19, an open-cockpit trainer used during WWII.
While planes are the obvious highlight of this family-friendly event, there are plenty of others activities. Taking their inspiration from the Andrew Sisters, America’s Sweethearts will perform songs from the 1940s and 50s. Also expect crafts, food vendors and moon bounces, plus antique and classic automobiles. Last year’s festival hosted 160 cars, and Martin expects similar numbers at this year’s event.
Ultimately, though, it’s about the history of aviation, “from the classic pre-war aircraft to the post-war fighters and bombers,” says Martin.
