A few old and new traditions to love at Heritage of Flight Festival

NEW CARLISLE – Here’s a case where Friday and the 13th will be a good combination.

When the Heritage of Flight Festival returns Friday, Sept. 29 – running through Sunday, Oct. 1 in downtown New Carlisle – it marks the event's 13th year, and festival committee president Mike Lowrey couldn't feel less superstitious.

“I know that’s not a lucky number, but we’re pretty proud the festival is strong and still growing,” he said.

Combining entertainment, special events, kids’ activities and food, the 2017 festival will return a lot that has made it successful, including its signature parade of planes.

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WHAT’S NEW?

The festival's first motorcycle show will be from 2-10 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets.

The event will be open to any bike enthusiast and there will be judging and prizes for the loudest pipe, best paint and overall in show, Lowrey said.

“We’ve had people ask us about doing one over the years,” he said. “We tried it a few years ago and but didn’t really know what we were doing. We have a couple of new committee members who had new ideas and they went with it.”

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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The classic car cruise-in will still lead things off at 4 p.m. Friday with live music from The Fleez.

Saturday's activities start with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. followed by the 5k run/walk at 8:15 and the parade of planes and community parade at 11.

Around 20-25 planes will parade instead of fly down the streets of New Carlisle, along with motorcycle groups and the return of the Antioch Shrine parade units.

A popular feature to start the parade is the Team Fastrax parachute jump with the American flag at 10:45. The team was prepared to make its jump the past two years, but weather problems prevented it.

Lowrey said all systems should be go for this year.

Another highlight Saturday will be artist Dan Foster doing free caricature drawings from 2-9 p.m.

“Those usually run about $10 or more at amusement parks, but we try to include things people can enjoy for free,” said Lowrey.

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Lots of food will be available including chicken and noodles, beer and brats and a wing eating contest if you're really hungry.

Sunday will include other favorite events such as Jim Slanker's Memorial Chair Races and the Blessing of the Badges that honors first responders and community heroes.

For a schedule of festival events and other information, go to www.heritageofflight.com.


WANT TO GO?

What: 13th annual Heritage of Flight Festival

Where: New Carlisle, Main Street

When: Friday, Sept. 29, 2-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 30, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

More info: www.heritageofflight.com.

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