Will Travel Throughout Midwest

The 2008 American Barnstormers Tour will once again showcase as many as 20 meticulously restored vintage aircraft from the 1920s and 1930s in an exceptional collection of airplanes and aviators.

The nostalgic salute to the daring young men and women who ventured across America during the 1920’s seeking fame and fortune in their biplanes, dubbed "Barnstormers," will journey through America’s Heartland on a nine-city tour from June 15 through June 30, 2008.

Admission is free and these rare aircraft can be seen at the following cities:

• June 15-16 Iowa City, IA (IOW)
• June 17-18 Ames, IA (AMW)
• June 19-20 Council Bluff, IA (CBF)
• June 21-22 Hastings, NE (HSI)
• June 23-24 Great Bend, KS (GBD)
• June 25-26 Wichita, KS (AAO)
• June 27 Emporia KS (EMP) morning only- refueling
• June 27-28 Lee’s Summit, MO (LXT)
• June 29-30 Jefferson City, MO (JEF)

Each afternoon, the aircraft will take to the skies for the "Barnstormers Parade of Flight" with master of ceremonies, the legendary "Mr. Travel Air,": Frank Rezich. Frank will entertain the crowd with his unique announcing style while they hear tall tales of barnstorming and learn the history of each biplane as the pilots perform overhead.

Spectators may also experience the thrill of open cockpit flight for themselves and go barnstorming in a beautifully restored Travel Air or New Standard vintage biplane. Biplane rides will be available daily weather permitting. All barnstormers will participate in recreating the era with period costumes, aircraft signage, historical information, and vintage props.

"These aren’t airplanes, they’re Time Machines," said tour organizer Clay Adams. "Our tour gives people from all over the country the chance to travel back in time and experience the same sights, sounds, and excitement they would have felt some 80 years ago as they looked out across the fields and saw the Barnstormers on the horizon."

The American Barnstormers Tour was born under the wing of an antique Travel Air biplane, as a group of friends and vintage airplane aficionados began to talk of resurrecting the barnstorming tours of the 1920s, where many local citizens would see their first airplane up close, or perhaps spend a few dollars for their first flight. Tour organizers saw an opportunity to give visitors from all backgrounds a unique vantage point to connect the past with the present.

The period between the end of World War I and the United States' entry into World War II is remembered as “The Golden Age of Aviation,” and it truly was. Barnstorming tours, trophy races, and record-setting flights all captured the public’s attention as they raced to see the daring flocks of birdman, and take their first flight in an open cockpit airplane.

Tour aircraft will be on display from approximately 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, weather permitting. Biplane rides are available for $50.00 per passenger.

FMI: www.americanbarnstormerstour.com