Last

weekend's Wings Over Dixie air show at Falcon Field in

Peachtree City was an overwhelming success, with

attendance at the two-day event far beyond the

organizers' expectations.

As of

Monday afternoon, the total attendance for Saturday and

Sunday was estimated at between 27,000 and 28,000. That

is nearly twice as many as last year, and thousands more

than the 20,000 predicted to attend.

Some of the

credit for the turnout could be attributed to the

near-perfect weather, with clear skies and highs in the

low to mid-80s both days.

There were

virtually no medical emergencies the entire weekend, with

only one person transported from the scene due to

heat-related problems, according to the Peachtree City

Fire Department.

A new

addition to this year's event was the Kidport, with

several rides and attractions for children. The Dixieland

Fun Park train and two Dynojumps were available for

ticket holders to enjoy, with proceeds benefiting three

local charities: Fayette Youth Protection Home, Starr's

Mill High School Interact Club (whose students helped

staff the area), and the Confederate Air Force.

More than

$4,900 was raised for those causes at the Kidport over

the weekend, according to spokesperson Danny Harrison.

One of the

highlights of the show was the appearance of the B-1

bomber, whose performance stunned many in attendance as

it roared over the airfield as if it would touch down

before taking off back into the sky.

A crowd of

people, young and old, stood in line for a turn the

cockpit of an F-16 fighter, which also took part in the

show. Visitors paid handsomely for the chance to ride in

a biplane or some other historic aircraft available over

the weekend.

A host of

World War II and Vietnam-era planes and helicopters were

on display at the show, with many of them taking to the

air to dazzle and delight the crowds Saturday and Sunday

afternoon.

Meanwhile,

civic groups such as the Peachtree City Kiwanis Club were

able to raise thousands of dollars for worthwhile

charities in this area.