If you've ever wanted to take a ride in a World War II bomber, you'll have your chance Saturday at the 13th annual Culpeper Air Fest at the Culpeper Regional Airport.

Larry Kelley will offer rides at $425 per person in his B-25 "Panchito" Saturday and Sunday. Rides can be scheduled during the weekend event or by calling 443/458-8926 to make a reservation.

While the B-25 will be a top attraction, the primary theme of this year's Air Fest will be to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Marine Corps' aviation program.

"Art Nalls will demonstrate the rare Marine Corps Hawker Harrier jump jet, the only privately owned Harrier in the world," said Airport Director Tanya Woodward. "The Collings Foundation will also demonstrate the mighty F4U Corsair, a veteran of World War II and Korea, flown by the spectacular pilot Dan McCue."

Gates will open at 8 a.m. with model airplane shows scheduled throughout the morning. The flying performances begin at noon and include wing walking and biplane acrobatics by the Bealeton Flying Circus.

Other aerobatic displays include Kevin Russo in a World War II North American T-6, Joe Edwards in a T-28 and Steve Nixon demonstrating helicopter capabilities.

There will also be "a mass of military aircraft giving a formation display which simply can't be seen anywhere else in the Northeast," said Culpeper pilot Mike Dale.

Donnie Johnston:
Email: djohnston@freelancestar.com