The second annual Wings over Weatherford (WOW) event held on September 15th proved to be a great success again this year as a major family event for western Oklahoma. Although the day was cut short by rain, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the more than 2,500 attendees who were able to take part in the day’s activities.
“If the weather had cooperated, we would have easily broken the attendance record set during our inaugural event last year. The hotels and camp grounds in the area were packed, and people came from all across the state to attend the event,” stated Museum Director, Max Ary.
Warbirds flew in from Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma to participate in WOW 2018. The Japanese Zero from Tora Tora Tora Airshows came all the way from Houston, and the last flyable B-26K/A-26A Model “Special Kay”, named the Best Bomber at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year was also in attendance. The lineup of historical aircraft for Wings over Weatherford was just incredible.
Many organizations took part in this year’s event including the Army National Guard, Air Force, NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium, and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Clubs.
As an event for all ages from small children to the grandparents, it’s very rewarding to see the smiles and pure excitement everyone experiences during Wings over Weatherford. Many pilots of the warbirds praised the event as one of the best Warbird Fly-Ins that they’ve ever attended; a wonderful compliment to receive in only the event’s second year.
“The many families who attended simply had a great time being together, outdoors, having fun. That was precisely the goal we had in mind when the museum created the event last year. It also proved that people of all ages still share a wonder and fascination of flight, especially the old warbirds of legend that we all read about as kids.” Max Ary explained.
Dana Rhodes exclaimed, “I flew in the PT-19 for my birthday! It was awesome and we really enjoyed seeing all of the different planes and learning about them.”
This event could not have happened without the tremendous support of our sponsors, volunteers and the incredible staff here at the museum and airport. We all look forward to seeing you next year at “WOW 2019”.
Thank you to our 2018 WOW sponsors – B.O.P. Ram, BancFirst, Cummins Auto Group, ASAP Energy Inc., Wanderlust RV Park, Edward Jones – Thad Wolgamott, True Vision, Burrows Pro Audio/Video, Ratcliffe’s Book and Office Supply, Best Western Plus, Horse Creek Gardens, Omega Aircraft Services, Marsee’s Fine Art & Framing, Sooner Technology, A-Rental, Western Equipment, State Farm-Debbie Shepherd, Southwest Heat & Air, and Dobson Technologies.
