By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
ELKHART, Ind. -- From the first time man achieved the dream of flying, men and women have looked to the skies, amazed at how a machine could go up into the air and return to the ground.
The Elkhart Air Show has maintained a tradition of thrilling an audience with barn stormers, Blackhawk helicopters and powerful jets. On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9 and 10, "the boys are back in town!"
In a salute to the 100th annivasary of aviation, this year's Elkhart airshow promises to be the greatest air show to ever hit Michiana.
Coming back are some of the world's greatest airshow performers: Matt Chapman's -- Mudry; Jimmy Franklin with his jet powered Waco; wing walker Kyle Franklin; the USAF A-10 demo team; Randy Ball's Mig-17 and barn stormer John Mohr, will again send chills and thrills to the viewing audience as they tumble through the skys above the Elkhart Municipal Airport.
The air show is also proud to announce the return of the heritage flight which is brought to life as a P-51 Mustang joins an A-10 Warthog and the F-15 for a mesmerizing flyby. once again, the A-10s will be doing a simulated strike run with pyrotechnics, a real crowd thriller.
Joining this all star line up, helping to celebrate 100 years of aviation, will be Joe Dooley's Pitts, the USAF F-15 single ship demonstration team, the US Navy FA-18 single ship demonstration team and the US Army UH-60 blackhawk helicopter demonstration.
Scheduled flybys include the B-2 bomber, F-117 Nighthawk Fighter and the KC135 Airforce Tanker. Also the USAF "cross into the blue" F-16 simulator and F-16 static display are included in this year's show.
Festivities will continue Saturday evening with two live bands, Mason's Case and Captain &the Kid followed by a brilliant fireworks display.
Gates open both days at 7 a.m. with the EAA pancake breakfast. The show will begin each day at 12:30 p.m. Arrive early, for choice parking and to enjoy the aircraft and meet the pilots.
Advanced tickets may be purchased at any area Martin's supermarket for $7 for adults and $3 for children. Visit www.elkhartairshow.com for additional information.
The Elkhart Municipal Airport is at 1211 West C.R. 6, Elkhart, Ind.