Stowsentry.com - Aviation Fair to take off Sept. 6, highlighting Ohio's legacy of flight

by Kristin Casale

Associate Editor

Stow -- This year's Kent State Aviation Heritage Fair will take off on schedule Sept. 6, with a continued emphasis on education and the appreciation of aeronautics.

The fair will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kent State University Airport in Stow. An average of nearly 25,000 people typically attend the event, which is now in its 14th year, according to Kent State.

"The Aviation Heritage Fair celebrates both Ohio's legacy as the birthplace of airplane flight and the Kent State Aeronautics Program's success in training the nation's future pilots, air traffic controllers, aeronautical engineers and aviation managers," said Dr. I. Richmond Nettey, associate dean of Kent State's College of Technology and senior academic program director for aeronautics. "It's a fun and educational day that gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the history of aviation and to explore various types of aircraft up close."

This year's event builds on two popular features that have been mainstays of the fair in the past, said Nettey. Instead of just one balloon launch and one flyover, there will be two of each.

Airplane rides, music from the Accent Band of Stow and Stow-Munroe Falls High School Marching Band, a children's tent with arts and crafts activities for young families presented by the city of Stow and the Stow-Munroe Falls Kiwanis Club's $5 pancake breakfast also will be available throughout the day.

Also available will be stationary displays of vintage and contemporary aircrafts.

This year's displays will include a World War II plane from the Commemorative Air Force, military and corporate aircrafts, including a Cessna Citation Sovereign and Eclipse VLJ, and a Polish TS-11 Iskra jet aircraft. Several different helicopters also are scheduled to be on site, including an EC-145, AS-350, B-206III and S-76. Airport flyovers will take place at 11 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

Nettey said all systems are go for the fair to take place as planned.

"It's coming along very well, with excellent support from the community," he said. "Education will continue to remain an emphasis."

The Kiwanis Club will award its annual aviation scholarship to an aviation student. The award will be presented by Kent State President Lester A. Lefton and Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel.

Kiwanis is accepting applications for non-profit groups to promote their information in the hangar and for groups to provide food in addition to the pancake breakfast.

Nonprofit groups should call Faith Cook at 330-688-7179, and food vendors should call Jerry Jensen at 330-688-8453.

Cook said she is looking forward to this year's event and hopes for good weather.

"Last year, the weather was like monsoon season, but we had so many people come out that just wanted to look at the airplanes," she said. "If you like airplanes, it's a great event."

Event admission and parking are free. Airplane rides are $20 per person or $55 for three people. Those interested in rides must register at the signup tent upon arrival. Carnival food and beverages will be available for sale throughout the day.

The fair will take place rain or shine, although some events are subject to change due to inclement weather.

Support for the 2008 Aviation Heritage Fair is provided by the Parker Hannifin Corp., Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, ABC Rental Center of Maple Heights, the city of Stow, Kent State University's Office of the Provost and College of Technology, the Stow-Munroe Falls Kiwanis Club, RSVP Food and Party Center and I. Richmond Nettey.

For more information about supporting the 2008 Kent State University Aviation Heritage Fair, call Sheila Lyons at 330-672-9409 or Nettey at 330-672-9476.

E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3917