Birds rumble on the runway

The Proud Bird Restaurant near the Los Angeles International Airport, is hosting Runway Rumble on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., an event commemorating World War II veterans and aviation history, complete with historic planes, cars, and live music reminiscent of Bette Midler and the Andrew Sisters.

“Aviation is built into the foundation of our company,” says John Tallichet, chairman of Specialty Restaurants Corp., the company that owns The Proud Bird. Tallichet is also president of the Military Aircraft Restoration Corp., a subsidiary of SRC. “We’re excited to share our love for historical aircraft with the public and to honor World War II veterans at the same time.

Joining historic planes already on the restaurant property will be a Western Airlines’ DC-3. Antique cars, military vehicles, and old hot rods will also be showcased for an expected 700 spectators. Special guests include local remaining members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Jonathon Strickland, the youngest pilot to fly internationally, Kimberly Anyadike, the 15-year-old pilot who recently flew coast to coast, and Robin Petgrave, founder of Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum.

General admission tickets are priced at $12 for adults, $5 for kids 11-17 years old, and free of charge for kids 10 and under. Registered drivers receive a complimentary continental breakfast with admission for $10. For hungry event-goers, The Proud Bird is offering a lunch buffet with admission at a special price of $16 for adults and $10 for kids 17 and under.

A tribute to the evolution of modern aviation, The Proud Bird is located on Aviation Boulevard next to one of LAX’s approach runways, where diners get a one-of-a-kind view of airplanes coming in for a landing.

For more information: SokShows.com or 310-670-3093.