Wings & Wheels rises early Saturday at airport

Lincoln's premier aviation event returns to Regional Airport on Saturday, Aug. 24. Event organizers say the estimated 10,000-plus spectators will see 80-plus private and governmental aircraft, more than 150 display cars, seven hot-air balloons (early morning liftoff) and nearly 60 food and artisan vendors on the tarmac. Also on tap is a Youth Aviation Expo (flight simulators and exhibits from the California Aerospace Museum) and a kid's zone with a bounce house and other fun activities. The event is sponsored by the city of Lincoln, with major logistical support from the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber CEO Tom Indrieri, who also is the "car czar" for the classic-sports-exotic group, said, "This event has always presented great aircraft and autos, but this year we're ramping up the action with many more cars, hence the re-branding to 'Lincoln Wings & Wheels.' " Event Director Richard Pearl said, "We're going to display some terrific aircraft, both based here at Lincoln's Regional Airport and from surrounding airports. There will be Warbirds, brand new aircraft, classic aircraft, jets and helicopters. If it's got a propeller or a rotor blade, our guests will see them up close on our large ramp." The action starts with a hot-air balloon rise shortly after sunrise. Spectators can get within feet of the balloons as their crews begin the inflation, and then off they go. Gates open at 5:30 a.m. to accommodate early-rising guests. Aircraft will begin arriving at the airport at 7:30 a.m., as will the display cars and vendors. The opening ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with a presentation of the colors, singing of the national anthem, and a flyover of jet aircraft from Beale Air Force Base. Walk among the display cars and aircraft, take a tethered hot-air balloon ride ($15, 7:30 through 10 a.m.), watch aerial demonstrations, have your youngsters learn about aviation at the Youth Expo, and grab a sandwich or other great pub food from vendors in Food Truck Alley. If you have a classic car, browse the swap meet for that hard-to-find part. It will be a great day for the entire family. The event closes at 2 p.m. The evening before Saturday's action is a hot-air balloon "moon glow," beginning at dusk. The balloons will inflate but stay tethered to the ground. Spotlights will make the balloon envelope come alive. The moon glow will take place within the airport's fenced area but immediately adjacent to Flightline Drive for optimum spectator viewing. Please note all balloon activities are weather-dependent. There is no charge for parking and the entrance fee is $10 per adult and is free to youth under 12. The airport is located on Flightline Drive, for route mapping purposes. Follow the signs and be aware of arriving/departing vehicles and guests. For further information, use any search engine with the description: Lincoln Wings and Wheels.