Akron Air Show
12 Sep 2009 3 Comments
We piled into the car and drove to Akron (CO, not OH) for a radial engine air show. (The radial engine is a reciprocating type internal combustion engine in which the cylinders point outward from a central crankshaft like the spokes on a wheel. This configuration was very commonly used in large aircraft engines before most large aircraft started using turbine engines.)
We stuffed the kids at Cracker Barrel first and then they were complacent for the drive out there. Yeah, it was about 3 hours away, but who cares? I even remembered to bring jackets!
As soon as we got to the airport there was a stunt plane in the air doing nose dives, tail spins, stalls and smoke trails, it was so cool.
See video below.
We hurried out to the field and finished watching the show and then wandered around looking at the display planes until the next show.
It was about 50 and very cloudy, it started to drizzle and the announcer stated that they might have to cancel the WWII reenactment, you never heard a more collective sigh of regret than at that moment. Although the wing walker could not perform due to rain, the Viper show off and reenactment went on as planned.
That Viper was LOUD! We watched him go up, up, up and then do some precision barrel rolls. We saw him burn back and almost stop dead in his tracks and then whip around. He sped by so quickly I’m surprised I got this great shot.
We were just standing there with our mouths open as he zigged and zagged and boomed past us, it was awesome. See him below.
We walked around some more to see the planes, an American Airlines plane.
A crop duster.
Some bi-planes.
A Marine plane (sorry, I usually write what kind of planes they are, but these were exhibition radials and most didn’t have a lot of info. on them.)
But, they are still cool.
The WWII reenactment started off with a BANG!
The Germans were advancing, the Allies were retreating and then the air assault began. The jeeps moved in, the heavy armor bombed the Germans and we overtook them.
It was the best reenactment we’ve ever been to, the pyrotechnics were astounding. You can’t see the action in the video, but you can hear it.
We rode the shuttle over to the hangars and got the autograph of a NASA drone pilot.
Then we saw the Viper, P-51 and wing walker planes.
I wish we had been able to see the wing walker do her stuff, but oh well, it was still a great show. On the way out we stood in line for……
Yes, I know it looks like intestines, but it still taste gooooood.
Walking to the car we passed by the WWII camps.
We saw 2 guys from Wing’s there, I should have known they’d be there.
We also passed by 1 German tank that was still blowing up extra ammo, cool.
It was a long ride home, but as the rain fell on the car it lulled the kids (all of them) to sleep and they slept the whole way home, sweet.
Sep 14, 2009 @ 08:30:06
NEXT YEAR!!!! How long did the reenactment last?
Sep 14, 2009 @ 21:30:09
Hi:
Thank you for the pictures and being at the air show.
This was the second year that my son, wife & I were at the Akron Air Show. Just for a point of reference, I was the short chubby German guard infront of the guard shack. I think you and your family stopped and talked to me, but I can’t be sure. I talked to so many people that day. I really like to talk about WW II to the kids and their parents since I’m a 8th. Grade U.S. History teacher.
Hope to see you all next year.
Thanks Again
Chuck
Sep 26, 2009 @ 22:40:46
I’m a native to CO, who grew up in the Denver area. I love air shows, and look for info on upcoming events in the area every year, and can’t believe I’m just now hearing about this! I turned to a program on cable thinking this event was in Ohio. When does this take place? Is it always the same weekend?