Today marks the start of a very big weekend in Indiana County, with plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.
The Jimmy Stewart Airport Air Show happens tomorrow and Sunday, but some of the aircraft will be flying in today. Both days will kick off with the Civil Air Patrol’s pancake and sausage breakfast, from 8 AM to 1 PM. There will be static displays of aircraft, tethered hot air balloon rides, helicopter and airplane rides, and aerobatic shows. One highlight of the air show will be Saturday night’s World War Two Hangar Dance, with dinner served at 5:30, honors for veterans at 6:30, and dance music performed by the Beaver Bop Cats.
The Air Show’s Nathaniel Arthurs says you should come early and make a day of it. You can bring a lawn chair and set it where you’d like, then wander the grounds enjoying the show. You can even leave the airport and come back later. Wristbands will be issued to all ticket holders to allow for readmission.
Visit jimmystewartairport.com for the schedule of events.
Another highlight of the weekend will be the Indiana County Showcase Tournament, one of the largest fast-pitch girls’ softball events in the state. Tournament Director Tom Harley says there will be 120 to 130 teams coming this weekend, and they’ll be all over the area. More than 600 games will be played on 32 community fields across the area.
The Indiana County Tourist Bureau’s Denise Liggett says the showcase is great for the area. Not only will hotels, restaurants, and retailers benefit, but IUP will also have the opportunity to attract potential students who are in town for the tournament.
This is the first of two weekends of softball tournament action expected to bring more than 11,000 people to the county.
