(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- This year AirFest features all NEW AIRCRAFT, as well as a new format. AirFest will run Thursday, August 29 through Sundy, September 1, 2024 at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum and includes an F-16 flyover on Friday. As always, AirFest will feature amazing entertainment including live music by Animal House and Devlin, Ted Schwartz’s WWII radio show, food trucks, Beer & Wine Garden, and free caricatures and face painting.
Even if you have attended before, you will want to make it over to NASW for this event! The EAA and Aero Club of PA will be flying in with unique aircraft, and other fly-in aircraft include the state police, AtlantiCare MedEvac, mosquito commission, and USCG helicopter. Smokey Bear will be stopping by on Sunday. In addition, if you are bored after experiencing all of that, you can go throw an axe with Shore Axes Mobile Axe Throwing who will be on site all four days.
Featured Aircraft:
Supermarine Spitfire - Known as “The Airplane that Saved the World,” the Spitfire was a symbol of Britain’s resistance during the Battle of Britain. Designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor, the Spitfire was renowned for its agility and speed. The MAM’s Spitfire, MJ730, flew over 100 combat missions during WWII, serving valiantly in various aspects of war. This particular aircraft was famously captured on film by Hollywood director William Wyler for his movie ‘Thunderbolt,’ providing a vivid glimpse into its wartime service.
P-51 Mustang Double Trouble Two - This iconic American fighter, designed in 1940, is a testament to American ingenuity and industrial capability. The North American Aviation Mustang was crucial to Allied air superiority during WWII. The MAM’s P-51D, built in 1945, served with the Eighth Air Force in England, where it was instrumental in long-range bomber escort missions. The aircraft’s specific livery represents a Mustang flown by Lieutenant Colonel “Wild Bill” Bailey, decorated with six aerial victory symbols, showcasing its storied past and combat achievements.
C-54 Spirit of Freedom - This flying exhibit commemorates the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949, a monumental humanitarian effort to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade. The "Spirit of Freedom" is filled with artifacts, photographs, and other items related to the Airlift, serving as a traveling educational exhibit. Built by Douglas Aircraft Company and delivered to the Army Air Corps in 1945, this aircraft played a crucial role in post-war operations before its pivotal participation in the Berlin Airlift. Now, it continues to educate the public as a flying museum and memorial. Guests will be able to board the C-54 at AirFest.
SNJ (AT-6) - The SNJ, an American single-engine advanced trainer aircraft, was used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The SNJ was utilized at NASW during WWII and remains a popular warbird for airshow demonstrations and static displays. The SNJ on display during AirFest belongs to one of our museum members, who graciously flies it in to support NASW. Additionally, next year’s membership coin will feature the SNJ, celebrating its historical significance and continued legacy.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore and learn about these unique aircraft while supporting the NASW Aviation Museum. The 28th annual AirFest will feature these historic aircraft along with the museum’s collection of over 27 planes and helicopters, live entertainment, food, and various activities. By attending, you help NASW in its mission to memorialize the 42 men who perished while training at the site, restore Hangar #1, and educate the public.
The 621st Contingency Response Group from Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst will be returning and setting up static displays showcasing their mission and abilities. Specialized equipment will be on display including a MRZR tactical vehicle.
F-14 Tomcat Calverton ATG Podcast - Meet former F-14 Tomcat Aircrews. Lectures by F-14 Calverton ATG and F-14 Tomcat Aircrews. Check out the history of the F-14 inside their museum tent!
Attending Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXe; P-51D Mustang "Double-Trouble Two"; C-54 "Spirit of Freedom"; SNJ (Friday & Saturday); AtlantiCare Jetstat MedEvac Helicopter (11-1, 8/29 & 9/1); Four F-16 Flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing (8/30 at 1:30pm); Aero Club of Pennsylvania & EAA Fly-In (Saturday); Cape May County Mosquito Control Helicopter (Saturday); Civil Air Patrol C-182 (Saturday or Sunday); New Jersey State Police Helicopter (TBD); New Jersey State Police Helicopter (TBD); United States Coast Guard Dolphin (TBD); Navy H-60 (TBD); and more.
Thursday - Aircraft Arrival Day Live Entertainment - Ted Schwartz Radio Show | Free Facepainting | The 621st Contingency Response Squadron | Jim Krombach's Naval Aviation Collection | F-14 Tomcat Calverton ATG Podcast
Friday Live Entertainment - Devlin | Ted Schwartz Radio Show | Free Facepainting | The 621st Contingency Response Squadron | Jim Krombach's Naval Aviation Collection | F-14 Tomcat Calverton ATG Podcast
Saturday Shuttle Bus | Live Entertainment - Animal House | Ted Schwartz Radio Show | Aero Club of PA & EAA Fly-in | Free Facepainting | Free Caricatures | The 621st Contingency Response Squadron | Jim Krombach's Naval Aviation Collection | F-14 Tomcat Calverton ATG Podcast | Cape May County Mosquito Commission Helicopter Fly In
Sunday - Aircraft Departure Day Shuttle Bus | Live Entertainment - Animal House | Ted Schwartz Radio Show | Free Facepainting | Free Caricatures | The 621st Contingency Response Squadron | Jim Krombach's Naval Aviation Collection | F-14 Tomcat Calverton ATG Podcast | New Jersey Forest Fire Service & Smokey Bear
Food Trucks: Ribeyes - Angus Ribeye Steak Sandwiches, Sausage & Roast Pork; Santucci's Original Square Pizza; Hit the Road Jack - Tacos, Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Fries, Seafood & more!; Poppin' Bobs - Popcorn; Rita's Water Ice - Water Ice; Waffle Up - Ice Cream & Waffles (Friday & Saturday)
Event sponsors include: Atlantic Cape Community College; Averista Marketing; Beau Ridge Photography; Broadley's Plumbing, Heating, and Air; Cape May Radio WCFA 101.5 FM; Cape May Roasters; Dennisville Fence; EcoVentures Group / Osprey Interactive; Excel; First National Bank of Elmer; Flight Level Aviation; HandDryerSupply.com; Island Ice Cream; J. Byrne Agency Inc; Jottan; Kindle Auto Plaza; Lower Township Chamber of Commerce; The Mad Batter & Cricket Club; McFadden Catering; Nichols Construction; North Wildwood Mechanical LLC; Ocean View Resort Campground; Popular Patch; Promotional Printers, Inc.; Schiffer Publishing; Sciarra Restaurant Group (Mudhen, Dogtooth, Poppis); Sturdy Bank; VFW Post 5343; WowToyz, Inc
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located at 500 Forrestal Road in Cape May, New Jersey.
