Dozens of experimental aircraft, war planes, ultralights and powered parachutes will be on display Saturday during the 3rd annual Barnstormer’s Air Festival at the Jennings Airport. (Doris Maricle / American Press)
Take to the skys at Barnstormer’s Air Festival
Last Modified: Thursday, May 03, 2012 6:56 PM
By Doris Maricle / American Press
JENNINGS — Area youth will have a chance to take to the skies Saturday as Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 541 hosts its 3rd annual Barnstormer’s Air Festival at the Jennings Airport.
This year’s festival has been expanded to include the Pistons and Flake Hot Rods and Classics Car Show.
The event will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Jennings Airport, just south of Interstate 10 (Exit 64).
Experienced pilots will be offering Young Eagles, ages 8-17, a bird’s-eye view of the city with free flights. A parent or guardian must be present for the youth to fly.
“The purpose of the festival is to showcase the Jennings Airport and aviation in general,” EAA Chapter 541 president Lenora Krielow said. “As our EAA Chapter, we promote general aviation and the biggest thing we can do is give youth flights and introduce them to aviation.”
Last year, the EAA Chapter flew 61 Young Eagles in six hours.
The Young Eagles will receive a free plane ride, pilot’s log book and opportunity to earn a pilot’s license through an online course.
“How many festivals actually fly children and give them that opportunity,” Krielow said. “We want to expose them to general aviation and careers in general aviation from air traffic controller and pilots to mechanics and more.”
Along with the planes, this year’s festival will include more than 100 hot rods and classic cars as part of Pistons and Flakes.
“Pistons and Flakes is a custom/classic automotive show for any vehicle that was made in 1986 or earlier,” organizer Stuart Daigle said. “It’s for classics, hot rods, rat rods, muscle cars, bikes and antiques.”
More than 100 trucks, cars and bikes ranging from the 1930s to the 1980s are expected, he said.
Registration is $15 per vehicle, with proceeds benefiting Colby and Shawna Cormier of Carencro. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Awards will be presented to the Top 25 with several “Best Of” categories at 4 p.m.
Aviation awards will also be presented for “Best Show Plane,” “Runway Favorite” and “Farthest Distance Flown.”
Other activities throughout the day include children’s activities, inflatable slides, a flight simulator, craft vendors and a static display of experimental aircraft, war planes, ultralights and powered parachutes.
Johnny Guinn and Rue Louisiane will perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Hathaway Future Farmers of America will provide the food booth.
There is no admission charge and parking is available at the airport.
For information, call Krielow at 278-5144 or email her at Lkrielow@aol.com. For information on the car show, call Daigle at 329-3959 or email him at lastresortshow@yahoo.com.
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