Wings and Wheels set to highlight historic warbirds, vintage military vehicles in Spanish Fork
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- A B-25 Mitchell known as the “Maid in the Shade” sits at the Spanish Fork Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in preparation for display at the 2024 Wings and Wheels air show, happening Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
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- A C45G Expeditor sits at the Spanish Fork Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, ahead of the annual Wings and Wheels air show.
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- A B-25 Mitchell known as the “Maid in the Shade” sits at the Spanish Fork Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in preparation for display at the 2024 Wings and Wheels air show.
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- A B-25 Mitchell known as the “Maid in the Shade” sits at the Spanish Fork Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in preparation for display at the 2024 Wings and Wheels air show.
The 2024 Wings and Wheels air show will bring vintage warplanes along with a mix of classic cars and military vehicles to the Spanish Fork Airport for a day of demonstrations this Saturday.
The event aims to provide the community with hands-on experiences featuring the largest gathering of World War II aircraft in event history.
A first this year at the Wings and Wheels air show, visitors will have a chance to see and tour the B-25 Mitchell known as the “Maid in the Shade.” Built 1944, the aircraft flew 15 bombing missions over Italy.
Jerry Washburn of the Commemorative Air Force says the bomber has been restored within the last 15 years and maintains its historical significance.
“This type of aircraft, there’s about 30 in the world that are still flyable. This one probably flies more than most of them; we do about 150 hours a year on this aircraft,” Washburn said.
Other notable aircraft in the warbird lineup include the PBY Catalina “Princess of the Stars,” P-51 “Mormon Mustang” and C-47 “Old Number 30” troop carrier.
In all, around 15 historic WWII aircraft will be on hand among dozens of others from nearby flight schools and businesses in the region that want to come and do displays, as well as hundreds of vehicles participating in races and the car show.
“A lot of really great historical aircraft with some rich histories and backgrounds. So really fun for the community and Northern Utah to come out and experience that in person, hands on,” said Airport Manager Christian Davis.
All of the aircraft will be on display, and most will be selling tickets for rides or giving walkthrough tours, which must be purchased in advance.
According to a news release, the air show also will feature eight performers, including USAF Wings of Blue, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s skydiving demonstration team.
A little over a decade ago, the Wings and Wheels air show started off as a small event in Spanish Fork. Just as the city has seen its share of growth since that time, so has the yearly event that brings car and airplane enthusiasts together.
Davis says the event has grown significantly over the last three years. In 2023, he said about 16,000 people attended. He anticipates the same or even more will show up this year, as organizers have worked to identify unique attractions that keep community members coming back.
“You know, WWII vintage aircraft really brings out the community and really inspires, you know, the history of the aircraft and what makes America great today, and what our freedoms are founded on. So that’s something that we know that the community likes,” Davis told the Daily Herald.
He said a goal of the event is to spark interest among youth about aviation and STEM fields through interactive activities.
“We have a specific area of the event called STEM city — so science, technology, engineering and math — and we focus on those fields within the aviation industry,” Davis explained.
The 2024 Wings and Wheels air show happens Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Spanish Fork Airport, located at 2050 N. 300 West.
Tickets can be purchased online at spanishfork.org/airshow. Prices may be slightly higher at the gate.
Admission is free for kids ages 10 and under with a paying adult.
