As spring comes into full bloom, residents are already circling their calendar for two beloved rites of spring.
On April 19, the Optimist Club of Peachtree City and the Peachtree City Fire Department are staging an Easter egg hunt with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. and the hunt beginning at 10:30 a.m. Come visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy games such as the Moonwalk, face painting and the fishing game.
The Peachtree City Fire Department will have fun safety activities along with their Education Bus and fire trucks. The Easter egg hunt is free and for children ages 2 through 11. The Easter egg hunt is at Shakerag Park on McIntosh Trail/Kelly Dr. near the Amphitheater. Bring your own Easter basket or decorate your own Easter bag. Please, no pets. For additional information call Nancy at 770-301-7588 or email her at smile2day216@bellsouth.net.
On April 26, one of the county’s favorite celebrations fires up again with World War II Heritage Days.
The sights and sounds of the Greatest Generation will come alive when the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing hosts the eleventh annual “WWII Heritage Days” April 26-27, 2014. The history festival will be held at the Historical Airpower Facility, Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field, Peachtree City, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
The weekend will again feature historic aircraft, antique cars, vintage military vehicles, guest speakers, education displays, demonstrations by reenactors portraying Allied and Axis troops, and activities for school age kids. Highlights include an opening ceremony recognizing local WWII veterans and a 1940s hangar dance.
The theme of the 2014 opening ceremony, Honoring The Women of The Greatest Generation, will pay tribute to women who served in the military and on the Home Front. Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a patriotic music program performed by Bombshells United.
Major General George Harrison, USAF, Ret. will serve as master of ceremonies.
Almost 400,000 women served in and with the armed forces during World War II, including 74,000 women served in the American Army and Navy Nurse Corps. More than 1,000 women served as pilots associated with the U.S. Air Force in the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots), but were considered civil service workers, and weren’t recognized for their military service until the 1970s.
Saturday evening will bring back the Big Band sound at “Keep ‘em Flying”, a 1940s theme hangar dance fundraiser featuring The Peachtree Jazz Edition. Proceeds from the dance offset the cost of WWII Heritage Days, aircraft preservation and “Education Through Living History,” the group’s WWII history program made available to schools and youth groups free of charge.
“WWII Heritage Days is a living history classroom,” said Jim Buckley, CAF Dixie Wing leader. “Over 200 volunteers from twenty-five organizations join us in creating the weekend.” The event draws World War II history enthusiasts to Peachtree City from throughout the Southeast.
Local civic organizations and schools are also invited to create and display 1940s exhibits.
Suggested donation for “WWII Heritage Days” is $5, children 5 and under free. “WWII Heritage Days” will be held rain or shine. Please, no pets. Tickets for “Keep ‘em Flying” are $50 before April 21, $60 at the door. Reserved tables and group discounts available. All ticket sales final. For more information, please visit www.wwiidays.org or call 678-364-1110.
