A part of Peachtree City will be transported back to the 1940s this weekend for the annual World War II Heritage Days festival hosted by the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing.
The ninth-annual event features battle reenactments, vintage aircraft, period vehicles, education displays, guest speakers and various demonstrations. All with the goal of recreating the spirit of WWII, a spirt that united the country in one goal: defeat of the Axis powers.
Even the music will provide a flavor of the 40s, with local actors and singers from Twilight Theatre impersonating celebrities and performing musical hits throughout the weekend.
The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historical Airpower Facility at Falcon Field.
Saturday’s opening ceremony starts at 10:50 a.m. including the anthem and the presentation of colors by Civil Air Patrol unit 116. The reenactments are slated for 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. both days.
Admission is suggested at $5 per person with kids five and under free.
Another highlight of the event is the annual “Keep ‘em Flying” WWII themed hangar dance featuring the Peachtree Jazz Edition. Proceeds benefit the CAF’s historic aircraft preservation and “Education Through Living History”, the group’s WWII history program made available to schools and youth groups free of charge.
Sunday morning will begin with a jeep-top religious service familiar to millions of American servicemen during and since the Second World War. That service will begin at 9 a.m.
“WWII Heritage Days is a community celebration that will entertain and educate the entire family.” said Jim Buckley, CAF Dixie Wing leader. The event draws enthusiasts to Peachtree City from throughout the southeast.
Why turn a flying museum into a living history classroom? “Our goal is to honor the Greatest Generation, the men and women who won the Second World War.” explained Buckley, who also flies several of the group’s aircraft.
“WWII Heritage Days” is an annual program that promotes education and patriotism. The CAF Dixie Wing is a non-profit education organization that relies on fundraisers and donations to restore WWII aircraft and teach WWII history.
The suggested donation for “WWII Heritage Days” is $5, Children 5 and under free. The public is also asked to bring a canned food item to be donated to the Fayette Samaritans food pantry.
“WWII Heritage Days” will be held rain or shine. Please no pets.
Tickets for “Keep ‘em Flying” are $50 before April 13th, $60 at the door. Reserved tables and group discounts available. For more information, please visit www.wwiidays.org or call 678-364-1110.
The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has over 9,500 members and operates a fleet of over 150 World War II aircraft.
