WINGS OVER GILLESPIE AIR SHOW TO FEATURE AERIAL BATTLES JUNE 5-7

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By Marisa Kezirian

May 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—The San Diego Chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, Air Group One will present the 14th annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on June 5, 6 and 7. Each day of this memorable event will highlight WWII and Vietnam aerial battle re-enactments, in addition to pyrotechnic displays, “bombing” runs, and strafing attacks. (View videos of last year’s show here: http://wingsovergillespie.org/welcome.htm )

Legendary Pilot John Collver will also demonstrate his aerobatic skills in his SNJ “War Dog.” Vintage warbirds will also be available for up close and personal viewing along with many impressive combat aircrafts from WWII. There will also be a CDF fire drop and a presentation by the sheriff’s department and helicopter division.

Roughly forty aircraft, (flying and on display), will be accessible for viewing, as well as live entertainment throughout the day, interviews with champions and veterans from WWII, a “Kidz Zone,” and shaded seating accommodating four hundred people. Additionally, food and merchandise vendors will be conveniently located.

Friday June 5th “Youth Education Day,” will be a day dedicated for students and children to come and learn about aviation and its history, while Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th the planes will take to the air. Experts, including lead pilot Jack “The Ripper” Draper will be available to answer any questions about the aircrafts on display, in addition to their roles and experience in aviation.

Notably, June 6th will be a very special day in honor of the Invasion of Normandy (D-Day), which took place on June 6, 1994. There will be a mock battle with a total of eleven aircrafts that will be dropping bombs and parachutes, and there will also be soldiers shooting up at the planes from the ground.

The air show runs Friday, June 5th through Sunday June 7th 2009. Gates will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The largest air show in East County, the event drew thousands of people last year.

General Admission for adults (18 and over): $10.00

Children (10–17) and military in uniform: $5.00

Children under 10: free

For more information, visit www.wingsovergillespie.org.

Marisa Kezirian is a student at San Diego State University and an intern with East County Magazine.


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