GOLDSBORO – Wings Over Wayne Air Show is set to take place at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro this weekend, Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th, 2019. The event is free and gates open at 9 a.m. both days. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., and flying performances take place between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Spectators will experience the finest air power in the world as the USAF Thunderbirds take to the skies as this year’s main headliner. For the first time in Wings Over Wayne history, the new F-35A Demo Team and C-17 Team will showcase their capabilities. Other favorites in the flying line up are the Army Black Daggers Jump Team, the Air Force Combined Arms Demo, Tora, Tora, Tora, Acemaker T-33, plus many more.
In addition to the aerial performances, Wings Over Wayne offers plenty of family-fun entertainment on the ground with static displays of recent and heritage aircraft, a Jet Truck, and military drill demonstrations. The brand new KC-46A Refueling aircraft will also be an exciting addition to the ground display, as this is set to be operational by the USAF this year. The event also includes a Kids Zone featuring bounce slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Kid Zone tickets are available for purchase the day of the event for $10.
“Wings Over Wayne is one of the world’s best air shows,” said Chuck Allen, Mayor of Goldsboro. “Seymour Johnson does a phenomenal job attracting the best lineup of airpower and performers, alongside the F-15E Strike Eagle and KC-135 aircraft already stationed at the base.”
“It’s hard to put into words our feelings about this two-day event. It’s a blend of excitement, humbleness, and nostalgia, uniting people from different generations and backgrounds by calling on the common patriotic seams that bond us all. Military communities are known for supporting their bases, but the Wings Over Wayne Air Show and Seymour Johnson AFB breaks the mold and gives back to Goldsboro and the state of North Carolina in ways that can’t be measured,” said Ashlin Glatthar, director of travel & tourism for Goldsboro-Wayne County.
In 2017, the Wings Over Wayne Air Show was honored as “Event of the Year,” one of the most prestigious awards given by the North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events. When selecting the winner, the judges announced that the Wings Over Wayne Air Show was “chosen for their community partnership and the survey of the attendees.” The air show surpassed the efforts of past years, setting new records for funding raised, volunteer participation, and the attendance of over 230,000 for the two-day event.
Other tips and helpful points of information include checking out the prohibited items list on the event website at www.wingsoverwayne.com. Guests of the show are allowed to bring clear reusable water bottles less than 32 ounces, and factory-sealed water to the show. Free potable water stations will be located throughout the public areas of the event. Lawn and tailgating chairs are also permitted. The air show and parking are free. Food, beverages, and souvenirs are available for purchase. Concessionaires will accept credit cards, but attendees are encouraged to bring some cash as precaution.
