MADISON, Wisconsin — In a second annual rare gathering of World War II-era aircraft, the Commemorative Air Force and the Experimental Aircraft Association are joining forces for a “Heavy Bombers Weekend” in Madison the weekend before EAA AirVenture.
The three-day event starts Friday, July 25, and will feature the B-25 Mitchell “Miss Mitchell,” the B-17 “Aluminum Overcast,” (pictured) and the P-51 Mustang “Gunfighter.” Other attending aircraft include a T-6 Texan, Canadian Harvard MK IV, Vultee BT-13, Ryan PT-22, L-5 Sentinel, T-33 Shooting Star and an OV-1 Mohawk.
Most of the airplanes will be available for ground tours and rides.
Additional ground tour aircraft include an Air National Guard F-16, UH- 60 Black Hawk, UW MedFlight Helicopter and many experimental aircraft.
“The gathering of these specific aircraft in one location is an extremely rare occurrence,” said Jim Gilmore, a coordinator of the Minnesota CAF B-25 Squadron. “We are excited to have the EAA and CAF join forces for the second time in Madison, Wisconsin.”
The event will be held on the east side of Dane County Regional Airport. Admission is $15 per person or $25 for families with children under 18.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 25 through 27.
The Madison Mallards mascot, Maynard, will be available daily from 1-2 p.m. Famous Dave’s BBQ and other vendors will be available.
On Saturday evening, July 26, festivities will include Wisconsin Aviation’s 13th Annual 1940s-style Hangar Dance: A salute to the troops, past and present; 7-10:30 p.m. featuring Ladies Must Swing Orchestra.
Sean Elliott, EAA Vice President of Advocacy and Safety said, “This is ahistoric opportunity for the public to view, touch, photograph, climb through, and even fly on these aircraft at one location. Madison, Wisconsin, makes for a perfect stop for the EAA and CAF for their national tours on their way to EAA AirVenture the following week.”
Aircraft flight reservations are recommended and can be made at www.cafmn.org for all CAF aircraft, or at B17.org/madison for the EAA B-17 or T-6. Or, call CAF reservations at 651-455-6942 or EAA reservations at 800-359-6217.
For more information: HeavyBombersWeekend.splashthat.com
is ther any way of waving addmisson would like to see the planes but cannot afford it my grandpa was in ww2 and myself and mom and daughter would love to see the different planes any chance please conncact my mom at 608 635 5813 thank you.