"The

1998 show was terrific! It's a great place to take the

family, see the planes up close, and then enjoy watching

skilled pilots fly them." - Peachtree City Mayor Bob

Lenox

"This event will

surely fire the hopes of any young boy or girl who dreams

to be a pilot or have a career in aviation. Here is an

opportunity to let your imagination soar with the

eagles." - Fayette County Sheriff Randall

Johnson

Wings over Dixie attracted

up to 17,000 spectators in 1998. The organizers are

expecting a substantial increase in attendance for the

two-day Wings over Dixie '99 Festival and Air Show in

September.

The reasons? One is the

demise of the Dobbins Air Show. According to Ross Berry,

Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, "We will now

be the only air show in the Atlanta area."

Hollis Harris, CEO of World

Airways and one of the sponsors of the show, said at the

recent Air Show kick-off, "I'm a big fan of aviation

and I think it's great for Peachtree City to be filling

the void."

Another reason is Lewis

Jordan, well-known CEO of AirTran Airways. Not only has

AirTran signed on as a title sponsor, but Lewis Jordan is

serving as Chairman of the Wings over Dixie Advisory

Board. His involvement has contributed to another factor

which is already increasing public awareness of the

upcoming air show - a number of notable sponsors have

committed their names, money and time.

Compaq Computers, WSB

Radio, Longhorn Steakhouse, Gene Evans Ford and Hertz

Rent-a-Car are just a few of the many larger sponsors.

Numerous local sponsors have joined in supporting the air

show also.

Berry noted, "Lewis

[Jordan] brought a vision to Wings over Dixie, and has

helped tremendously in raising awareness of this great

event."

Community leaders in

Fayette County, Fayetteville, Tyrone and Peachtree City

have all committed support to the show this year.

"Last year was phenomenal," said Berry.

"This year our expectations are much higher,

partially as a result of the commitment of the

community,"

According to Jim Friday,

Air Show Chairman, "Peachtree City Council member

Annie McMenamin has been a big help. A lot of the

additional community support can be chocked up to

Annie."

Congressman Mac Collins

noted, "The show promised to bring our community

together, inspire us to reflect on the sacrifices which

have made America great, and cause us to appreciate the

skills of individuals who pilot the aircraft our military

sends into the sky. I am looking forward to being a part

of this event."

Some of the airplanes which

will be on display at the Air Show include a 1943 SBD-5

Douglas Dauntless, which has undergone a $100,000

restoration, and an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

AirTran will be giving away

eight sets of airline tickets each day as well as other

family trips. There will also be food provided by the

Peachtree City Kiwanis, the Optimist Club and the Booster

Club.

In addition to airplane

tours, there will be a model automobile show, aerobatic

air shows, and other entertainment. There willbe a large

number of experimental airplanes on display from the

Experimental Aircraft Association. There will be a

contest for the "best" in the various shows

determined by the show visitors. There will also be a

"kiddie park" with rides, face painting and

other attractions.

Parking will be available

at the Peachtree City-Falcon Field Airport and at the

nearby Starrs Mill School Complex. Bus service will be

running back and forth on a regular basis from Starrs

Mill. Per Friday, "This worked out real well last

year."

Part of the proceeds raised

Home, including the Friday Home. Other beneficiaries will

be the Kiwanis Clubs and the Dixie Wing of the American

Airpower Heritage Foundation (AAHF).

Friday noted, "Every

dime raised from the Air Show will stay in the

community."

Wings over Dixie will be

held on September 11th and 12th at Falcon Field in

Peachtree City. For sponsorship information, contact Jim

Friday, Director of Fayette Youth Protection Home at

770-631-2469 or Ross Berry, Treasurer for the Fayette

Youth Protection Home at 770-716-8796.

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