Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum hosts its seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
ST. GEORGE — During the seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” event in St. George Saturday, crowds honored the nation’s veterans with a mix of activities.
The day’s festivities were held at the Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum located at the St. George Regional Airport from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event coincides with the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Saipan, Guam and many other significant battles of World War II.
Vintage aircraft and classic cars were showcased throughout the venue, wherein attendees perused food and merchandise vendors, viewed military artifact displays and went for Warbird rides. Guests also enjoyed aerial entertainment during the celebration when classic aircraft performed a series of flybys.
The festivities are meant to encourage interest in the Western Sky Aviation Warbirds Museum while also highlighting its need for volunteers and donations to help maintain, repair and restore retired military aircraft, museum volunteer Kirk Lawrenz said.
“There is an annual inspection of the aircraft and costs to restore and maintain them, which isn’t cheap,” Lawrenz said.
A number of these aircraft were on display Saturday, including a British Provost and a MiG-17/F-5 fighter jet. The event also showcased a MiG-15 flown by the Chinese during the Korean War that sports several bullet strikes and a T-38 Talon, which is a super-sonic jet, Lawrenz said.
Artifacts of fighter pilots and planes of yesteryear filled the museum hangar, including model planes, flight suits and helmets and other items preserved from engagements in wars and conflicts during the past century.
Many of the items displayed Saturday represent a rich military history for those who lived and fought with purpose, carefully preserved by volunteers to be enjoyed for generations to come.
The celebration will close with the museum’s 7th Annual 1940s-style hangar dance, taking place from 6-10 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best 1940s costumes and vintage aircraft on display.
The Southern Utah Rebel Jazz Band will play hits from the stars of the World War II era as St. George Swing Dance performs 1940s-style dances, including the always-popular “Andrews Sisters” routine. Tickets for the dance are $25 at the door.
The Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum is open to the public at the St. George Municipal Airport daily Thursday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers to help operate it are always needed.
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Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum hosts its seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Retired military aircraft on display at Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Classic beauties on display during the Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Classic beauties on display during the Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Retired military aircraft on display at Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Vendors are set up during the Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Attendees browse through military artifacts showcased during the Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum hosts its seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Vendors were set up during the Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum hosts its seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Retired military aircraft on display at Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Retired military aircraft on display at Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Pilot exiting military aircraft after a flyby during Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Military aircraft performs flyby during Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
Kermit the frog is in the driver seat during Western Sky Warbird Aviation Museum's seventh annual “Wings and Wheels” celebration at the St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah, May 18, 2019 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cody Blowers was raised in South San Francisco, California. A 2013 graduate of Colorado Technical University, Cody earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in paralegal studies. Through the course of her academic studies she discovered that writing is her true passion, and she is committed to providing credible, integrated news coverage. Cody joined St. George News in 2015, and when she’s not busy chasing the news, she can generally be found chasing her young granddaughter, Kali.