There's an exciting day at the Yorkton airport coming up, an event you won't want to miss.
One of the last flying WWII B-17 bombers, "Sentimental Journey," will be on display and available for rides and tours at the Yorkton Municipal Airport, August 23 - August 25.
Airplane enthusiasts, veterans, children and history buffs will love seeing this famous WWII aircraft. Sentimental Journey is maintained and operated as a flying museum and veterans' memorial by the all-volunteer non-profit Commemorative Air Force. Built in 1943, this heavy bomber has performed many missions, from military reconnaissance to drone "mother ship" during nuclear testing, as well as firefighting, before being retired. It was donated to Airbase Arizona in 1978, restored to military specification, and has been touring North America since the early 1980s.
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the primary bomber used by the American Air Force against Nazi Germany. Of the 12,731 B-17s originally built, less than ten remain in flying condition and only a very few fly regularly.
922 B-17s were lost in combat over Europe, with a loss of nearly 10,000 airmen. The US 8th Air Force suffered the majority of these losses. Sentimental Journey proudly displays the markings of the 457th Bomb Group in their remembrance. Nose art of the Sentimental Journey features Betty Grable, the number-one pin-up girl of the World War II era. The aircraft is named after a song made popular by Doris Day in 1945.
A thrilling flight inside this historic warbird this weekend starts at $450.00 CN per person. For flight reservations, call (587) 338-8817 during that week. Cockpit tours are only $5 CN; ground viewing and photo opportunities are free to the visiting public from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.
The Sentimental Journey is operated by the Arizona Airbase of the Commemorative Air Force located at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona. Organized in 1978, the CAF's mission is to restore and preserve historically important aircraft and related memorabilia in order to educate the public about the significant contributions made by men and women in the defense of our nation.
In addition to the B-17 bomber, there will be plenty more happening at the local airport as it hosts a special OPEN HOUSE event and Historical Displays at the same time.
On Saturday, August 24 vintage aircraft and displays are open. From 3 to 4 p.m. a Cadet Parade has been slated. from 3 to 6 p.m. BBQ Beef on a Bun will be available for $6.00 with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity.
The event will also include: Vintage Aircraft from Brandon Commonwealth Training Museum, Air Ambulance, STARS display, Western Development Museum Display, and WWII Movies.
To complete the first day's event, A Big Band Hangar Dance "Tribute To Our Veterans" will begin at 7 p.m. in Hangar II (Green).
Veterans will enter with Color Guard at 7:30 p.m. with greetings and presentation to the B17 pilots. Veterans and guests will be provided free admission.
Forties or military wear is encouraged!
Sunday will see more displays available as well as a pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m.
