Greenwood Lake Air Show bigger and better than ever

Third annual air show, War II showcase set WEST MILFORD — Return to the 1940s at the Greenwood Lake Airport's third annual Air Show and World War II Showcase, Aug. 26 through 28, bringing together heart-stopping aerobatics and special guests. This year's show features Team RV, the world's largest air show. Young and old will marvel at the stunning skills of these 12 aerobatic planes and pilots all putting their high-performance aircraft through astounding rolls, spins and inverted flight as if in unison. Aerobatic champions Kendal Simpson, Jane and Kirk Wicker, and Kevin Russo will also be on hand to perform feats that will make one’s heart race. World War II heroes “Wild” Bill Guarnere of “Band of Brothers” fame as well as Tuskegee Airmen Eugene Richardson and John Harrison, whose exploits are due for the silver screen in Star Wars director George Lucas’ upcoming film “Red Tails” will all be on hand. Richardson and Harrison were part of the famed group that set a standard and broke the color barrier for the nation’s armed forces flying P-40 Warhawks and P-51Mustangs. They will recount their training and historical contributions through inspirational stories. It’s all vintage And make sure you visit up close the World War II warbirds. The show will feature some of the most impressive World War II exhibits, re-enactments, special guests, along with military vehicles, and vintage aircraft On field, courtesy of the American Airpower Museum in Long Island, will be a Marine Corsair fighter, the type used by air ace Pappy Boyington flying with the renowned Black Sheep Squadron; a B-25 Mitchell bomber, the type used by aviation legend Jimmy Doolittle in the first attack against Tokyo flown from the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet in the dark days just months after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, and a C-47 transport in D-Day marking that carried airborne troops to Normandy and beyond. Of course check out the permanent display including a Lockheed Constellation, one of the few remaining four-engine passenger liners of its type that helped usher in cross-country and global air service. On the airfield in the main hangar, come meet the Army Air Forces Historical Association, whose veteran members will tell the tales and recall harrowing moments of the war years through an extensive, interactive exhibit that includes the only working Norden bombsight on the East Coast. Visitors will be able to fly a high-altitude combat mission and drop their bombs “right into a pickle barrel”; with a bit of coaching from an experienced World War II veteran. Period entertainment Of course the 1940s also produced some incredible music and entertainment. On hand will be Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler,the acclaimed duo who bring the comedy team of Abbott and Costello to life with their Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show. This features all the classic routines that Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation cherish. The Manhattan Dolls will perform their tribute to The Andrew Sisters with endearing songs that reminded GIs during the war years just what they were fighting for. Eric De Lauro’s tribute to Frank Sinatra means “Old Blue Eyes” is back, with nostalgic tunes that helped bring the nation together in trying times. Food galore If you’re not hungry at the show, you will be once you get a whiff of the great food lining the airport. Try the hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage and peppers. Top it off with a cool snow cone. Or go inside to the Passport Café and sit down for some fine dining. Friday night something new is being added to the show: a World War II Victory Dance and barbeque will follow the day's activities. Time is rolled back to 1943. Listen to the big band sounds, dance the Jitterbug and mingle with the troops. It’s a BYOB event and runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Parking is free and ample. Shuttle buses will carry visitors to the airfield. Bring along a folding chair. Gates open each day at 10 a.m. and the show runs through 5 p.m. Admission prices are $20 for adults; $10 for children age 5-12 and free for children 5 and under. Enjoy a special $15 entry for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12 on Family Day Friday So come out and pay tribute to our cherished veterans, catch the exciting air show and embrace the magic of flight. It’s a show you won’t want to miss. And you have three days to catch it! For more information, visit the Web site, www.greenwoodlakeairshow.com If you go Greenwood Lake Air Show and World War II Showcase Friday, Saturday, Sunday Aug. 26-28 Greenwood Lake Airport West Milford 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Family Friday: $15 adults; $5 children Saturday and Sunday: $20 adults $10 children