See the vintage B-17 bomber, Sentimental Journey, at the Arlington Fly-In July 11-15.

 

The Arlington Fly-In, set for July 11-15 at the Arlington Airport, is the area's premiere fun family event with an aviation theme. This year's activities include new attractions to delight both young and young at heart while bringing back the best of the Fly-In, including daily airshows, static aircraft displays, the runway theater, bi-plane and warbird rides, and the Saturday evening Hot Air Balloon Night Glow.

Today – Thursday, July 12 – is Kids' Day, with a special airshow scheduled for 2 p.m. and kid-friendly displays and activities planned all day. Kids can climb aboard a flight simulator, try their hand at candy airplane making, and see a demonstration by Arlington High School's robotics team. Admission is free for kids, accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to look for the beautiful 'Sentimental Journey,' a World War II vintage B-17 bomber airplane, a unique piece of aviation history. Tours of the rare aircraft are available every day through July 16.

The bomber is maintained and operated as a flying museum and memorial by the all-volunteer non-profit Commemorative Air Force. The WWII Flying Fortress 'Sentimental Journey' is the most fully restored B-17 flying today. There are only five B-17 Flying Fortresses still in use around the world.

The classic car show, a fundraiser for the Arlington Food Bank, is set for Saturday, July 14. The annual car show features an expanded display area and lots of unique exhibitors.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a free family-rated aviation-themed movie at the Runway Theatre, a 25-foot outdoor screen. Movies scheduled for this year include "Air Racer," "Flyabout" and "Red Tails."

The Fly-In's Military History area features the Northwest's largest gathering of military vehicles and weapons display. Check out the shooting gallery, jeep rides and WWII tank demonstrations, featuring the newest acquisitions by Paul Allen and the Flying Heritage Collection. Sunday's Salute to Veterans Flight Line Parade just before the airshow will feature some of the unique vehicles.

A new addition to the military section is a display of Vietnam river patrol boats. The public will be able to board the boats for a look at these strategic vehicles.

The spectacular Hot Air Balloon Glow happens Saturday at dusk, with dozens of tethered balloons lit from the inside. Guests must be on the grounds by 8 p.m. to witness the display.

Check out the Fly-In website at www.arlingtonflyin.org to see all the activities scheduled, and to reserve a camping spot for the 5-day event. Purchase tickets in advance for discounts and, as always, kids under 16 enter free with a paid adult admission.

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