Ohio’s Largest Free Air Show, the Vinton County Air Show, will be held at the Vinton County Airport Sunday, September 16, and the chicken is being ordered to feed hungry visitors to the once a year event.
According to Vinton County Pilots and Boosters Association President Nick Rupert, the event this year is the Mike Lakin Memorial Air Show to memorialize air show performer Mike Lakin who died last year while being recertified as an air show performer. Lakin was a popular and regular performer in the Vinton County show and was a true friend to the airport.
In addition to great aerobatic performances by some of the very best pilots, the BBQ chicken dinners are also a hit and are cooked over a huge BBQ pit on airport grounds using a secret recipe. Dinners will be ready for purchase at 11 a.m. The Vinton County Band Boosters also sell a variety of foods at the event and the Vinton County High School Band always begins the show as sky divers float to the ground. There will be a variety of planes, large and small, old and new, on display and there will be performances by remote control aircraft by RC pilots. As is usually the case, near the end of the event there will be a candy drop for the kids.
You never know what aircraft will arrive at the airport for the air show, but the mix is always interesting and arrivals and departures are always exciting. Airplane rides will be available and will begin at the end of the air show. The air show is free, but a donation of $10 for parking will be requested as visitors enter airport grounds. It is suggested you bring a lawn chair.
For more information, contact Nick Rupert at 740-596-2588 or 740-357-0268. You can also call Steve Keller at 740-418-2612. The Vinton County Airport is located 6 miles north of McArthur just off St. Rt. 93 on Airport Road.