Fort Wayne Air Show to feature wide array of planes, events

U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team appearance brings back memories for Fort Wayne man. 

Fort Wayne hasn't had an air show in 13 years, and the one planned for Saturday and Sunday “is going to be much, much larger,” said Kathryn Gentz, president of the show.

Those who turn their heads to the sky next weekend will see the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, the Army Golden Knights parachute team, Otto the Helicopter, barnstormers and more. On the ground, a static display will include many military aircraft. Other activities include a concert and 5K and 10K race.

The show is at the 122nd Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, 3005 W. Ferguson Road, and it is free.

One of the highlights of the show, the Golden Knights parachute team, has a Fort Wayne connection. E. Oliver Fitzwater Jr. was a Golden Knight for a few months in 1968-69, after he left Vietnam, where he was with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.

Fitzwater, who served two stints in the Army, was a paratrooper the first time around, and also was an instructor at a skydiving center in Waterloo. He had 700 jumps under his belt before he even went to Vietnam.

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Fort Wayne Air Show

What: See aerial performances and static displays at the show. There also will be a 5K and 10K run, a concert, and a special event for people with sensory overload issues Sunday morning.

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with air show performance noon-4 p.m. each day.
 
Where: 122nd Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, 3005 W. Ferguson Road.

Cost: Free

Parking: Shuttles bus service from Wayne High School and Ardmore Avenue south of Airport Expressway, plus park and walk access from Winters Road.

Etc.: Friday activities include barbecue dinner at the base, but tickets are almost sold out; outdoor country music concert at 8 p.m. ($10 admission, with ages 10 and younger free); and night pyrobatic air show at 8:40 p.m. On Saturday, 5K and 10K races begin at 7:30 a.m. Sensory hour 8-9 a.m. Sunday for autistic children to get close to aircraft and pilots.

Website: www.fwairshow.com