Irene cuts short air show
Plans are in the works for October show West Milford The three-day Air Show and World War II Showcase, scheduled for last weekend, was interrupted by Hurricane Irene after Friday's display, but the organizers are looking toward another show tentatively scheduled for Oct. 22 and 23. Tim Wagner, the Greenwood Lake Airport manager said they decided Friday night to cancel the air show for Saturday and Sunday for many reasons: people were traveling with displays, securing the aircraft in time, and the unstable nature of the weather. "It was just way too risky," said Wagner. "Safety is the first concern." Friday was fun Those who had the foresight to attend on Friday, though, had themselves a great time on a beautiful day. Wing walkers and aerobatics teams dazzled attendees with their daring. The World War II Showcase was a history lesson right on the premises. Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen were on hand. Vintage exhibits, re-enactments, military vehicles and aircraft were all on display. It felt like the 1940s thanks to The Manhattan Dolls, aka the Andrews Sisters, and Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler who brought the comedy of Abbott and Costello to life. Fingers crossed for October Fall in West Milford is probably the most beautiful time of year with the nip in the air and the gorgeous fall foliage. If the planning goes well, residents and visitors can also enjoy an air show and classic car show at the airport in October. Wagner is hopeful that a majority of the performers will be there, as well as the vendors and sponsors. A full display of classic cars will also be on the grounds. And live band music will fill the air. This won't include the World War II showcase; that will have to wait for next summer. "Everybody wants this to happen," said Wagner. "I don't know if we can pull it off. It would be a record for sure." If you bought tickets If you bought tickets in advance for Saturday and Sunday’s show, you may request a refund or redeem them for the October show. Here's what you have to do: All Saturday and Sunday ticket holders must mail in their unredeemed tickets to Greenwood Lake Airport 126 Airport Road, West Milford, NJ 07480 If you purchased your tickets online, please print out your tickets and mail them in. If you wish to redeem your tickets for the October 22 or 23 Air and Car Show, please include a note stating which day you wish to attend, If you wish to receive a refund for your tickets, please include a note saying so. For more information on the upcoming show, go to www.greenwoodlakeairport.com. The West Milford Messenger will keep you informed about the upcoming air show and classic car show as well.