Aviation Heritage Fair coming to Stow

  • 2015-09-18
The Andrew W. Paton Field at Kent State University in Stow is about to become the site of the Aviation Heritage Fair.

The fair will feature classic airplanes, balloon rides, and speakers, including a winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Roy S. Richardson, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, is a veteran of World War II, where he worked on the flight line performing aircraft maintenance, pre-flighting, and taxiing aircraft.

Also speaking is Irena Wentzel, who is a first officer with Delta Air Lines. She is one of a small but growing number of women flying for major carriers.

Also on the roster are Ken Ramsey, a Vietnam veteran and fighter pilot; Joshua Eyring, who is head of aircraft maintenance at the university’s airport; and Robert Priestly, assistant professor of aeronautics.

There will be an opportunity for people to take hot air balloon rides. The balloons will be airborne at sunrise, which is 7:09 am, so people need to be at the airport by 6:30 am. Tickets will go fast, so it is recommended to buy them in advance.

The highlight of the day is likely to be the classic airplanes that will fly in for the event. Last year's attractions included a World War II-vintage B-25.

Event organizers could work with brochure printers on a booklet for the day, describing the classic aircraft, listing other vendors, and including a map for visitors.