'Wings Over Anzio' Kicks Off Saturday

For those pilots and aviation enthusiasts not at the big show in Florida this weekend, there is a little shindig happening in Mesa, AZ to show off some of the local warbirds at historic Falcon Field.

The sounds over the Valley of the Sun won't be the familiar sound of airliners on approach to Sky Harbor Airport, but rather will be a much more nostalgic sound... the sound of engines that propelled the aircraft that fought for freedom over sixty years ago in World War II.

Those aircraft representing 60 years of aviation history will be found this weekend, Saturday April 12 2008, at the Wings Over Anzio display at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, AZ.

Nearly a dozen World War II vintage and classic aircraft will be on display for local residents, pilots and enthusiasts to get an up-close and personal view of the airplanes that changed history. Also on display will be restored military vehicles and local veterans are expected to attend to share their stories beside the aircraft they flew aboard.

In attendance will be the North American B-25H Mitchell medium bomber "Barbie III" of the Warbirds Unlimited Foundation, the new Douglas C-47 Skytrain from the Wings of Flight Foundation, several North American AT-6 Texan trainers, the North American P-51D Mustang, a Cessna UC-78, Beechcraft Staggerwing, plus others are expected to be on display.

Visitors will be able to get right up to the aircraft and even get inside some to see their restored interiors. Crews and pilots will be available to answer questions and discuss the history of the assembled aircraft.

Flights aboard selected aircraft will also be available for an additional donation. Passengers aboard the aircraft can experience what it felt like to be a crewmember aboard these mighty aircraft back in 1943. The B-25 Mitchell and AT-6 Texans will be flying throughout the day.

Gates open at 9:00am on Saturday, April 12 and close at 4:00pm. Admission is a donation of $5 for adults, $3 for children age 6 to 14, and children under 5 are free. The event is being held at Anzio Landing Restaurant at 2613 N. Thunderbird Circle near the intersection of Higley and McDowell Road at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ.

The Wings Over Anzio event is being organized and sponsored by Wings of Flight Foundation, Warbirds Unlimited Foundation, and Wingspan Air.

FMI: www.warbirdsunlimited.org/anzio