The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS – What started as a simple fly-in and local car show has quickly grown into the largest regional air and car show in western Virginia, last year hosting over 3,500 attendees.
This year Bath County’s Wings and Wheels is slated for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at historic Ingalls Field.
“Returning this year will be the wonderful cars, trucks, motorcycles and fabulous vintage aircraft as well as the amazing acrobatic show, model airplane demos, food, vendors, games and more,” explained Maggie Anderson, director of Tourism for Bath County.
“We are also welcoming back local favorite DJ “Big Al” and we have live music slated throughout the day, including Gospel favorites ‘The Announcers,’ and local country fave Daryn Burkholder,” said Melinda Nichols, executive director of the Bath County Chamber of Commerce.”
“Each year we learn how to improve our show,” commented Mark Nelson, director of Parks and Recreation for Bath County, “and this year you will see some changes that we think will make a great show even better.”
Changes include expanded hours to host music and dancing from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring “Moonshine Express.”
In addition, each car registered will receive a trophy plaque in lieu of awards.
“We feel that every car is a winner,” Anderson said. “We are going to have a People’s Choice Award which will be given at 3 p.m. and everyone visiting the show will be allowed to vote for their favorite.”
“Ingall’s Field, the highest public use airport east of the Mississippi, is the ideal location for this one-day event,” noted Becky Skidmore, airport manager. “What better place to see fabulous cars and vintage aircraft on display than against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains?”
The air show this year will bring back perennial crowd pleasers Johnny White Charlie Schwenker and Roger Marshall.
“You will see acrobatics and daredevil feats from 1 to 3 p.m.,” advised Skidmore “We will also have Cessna and PT19 plane rides available all day.”
There are still some surprises in store, as organizers plan to make this the most exciting car and show yet.
Car registration is $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Registration forms are available online or from Nelson.
Entrance fee to the event is $2 for adults, $1 ages 6-16, and kids 5 and under free. Parking is also free.
For further information: www.wingsandwheelsbathcounty.com.
