Sixteenth Annual Wings Over Halls Airshow and 30 Year Anniversary of

            The Tennessee Homecoming ’86 Celebration to be Held in Halls, TN

            On August 13, 2016 at least 30 Warbirds will fly into the former B-17 training base in Halls, TN for an exciting day of aerobatics, formation flying, and pyrotechnics. Airplanes scheduled include the B-17, TBMS, P-51, T-6s, T-34, F4U-Corsairs, Twin Beeches, Extra 300L, Sea Fury, Douglas Skyraider, 8 aircraft in the Team Bulldog aerobatic team, and many more.

            The Ripley VFW is sponsoring a Veterans’ chalet where all veterans are invited to gather. In addition, because it is the 30 year anniversary of Homecoming ’86, the Air Show is inviting students and faculty who were volunteers in the 1986 event to gather in a chalet, register, and get a button recognizing their participation. The Halls Utility Department will have an exhibit “Water on Wheels”, sponsored by the University of Memphis and International Paper. This exhibit educates children about water with interactive activities.

            Something else new to the air show this year is Kids Pedal Wings whereby children, ages 2 – 10 can learn to navigate the pedal airplanes in an airport situation. The fee is $2 for each ride.

            After the show, there will be a free USO dance at the Pavilion. Snacks and drinks will be sold. The dance will feature WWII military reenactors and music of the era.

            Advance tickets, $10 each, are now on sale at various locations. Spectators may pay by credit card by calling 731.836.7400; tickets will be mailed. Admission price at the Gate will be $15; children 5 and under are free. The Gates open at 10 a.m. so that visitors may visit the airplanes and pilots on the active ramp, visit food and product vendors, let the children ride the pedal airplanes, and visit the Veterans’ Museum ($2 admission fee).

            Opening Ceremonies are set for 1:30 p.m. featuring a parachute jump, short speeches by dignitaries, and the singing of the Service Songs by spectators and a chorus. The flying show is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. If spectators need a ride from their cars to the show line, they should raise their hands and wave. Organizers remind everyone to bring sunscreen and lawn chairs.

            For more information, call 731.836.7400 or check the website www.dyaab.us.