"Wine Country AirFest" A Prelude To Thunder!
On May 21st, 2011 Santa Maria Museum of Flight will produce its inaugural "Wine Country AirFest". The event will be conducted in conjunction with its monthly fly-in for both General Aviation and Warbird aircraft owners seeking display credits under CA Revenue and Tax Code 220.5. For the museum this once a year expansion of its monthly display provides its visitors to not only view the aircraft but also the opportunity to talk to aircraft owners about their plane and the joy of flying.
The theme for "Wine Country AirFest" will focus on the early history of the City of Santa Maria and the surrounding valley when Hancock College of Aeronautics and Santa Maria Army Air Force Base was the aviation hub of the valley. It was during this period that the local residents of the City and Valley heard more than the whistle of steam powered locomotives echoing through the valley announcing the arrival of freight and troop trains. There was a new sound during this period that echoed through the valley like a clap of thunder. Mixed with the whistle of the trains was the sound of large radial engines of aircraft piloted by civilian and military pilot trainees from the College and the Base.
The Museum's "Wine Country AirFest" is more than a nostalgic trip to the past history of the City and Valley. It is a fundraiser event to support its grass roots "Thunder Over The Valley Air Show" that honors and promotes the support of our troops, veterans, and their families. This event symbolizes the support rendered throughout the year to the numerous military training flights visiting the Santa Maria Airport. The Museum's volunteer staff serves as the community's welcome wagon. The staff as Ambassadors provides the aircrews a free meal and a place to relax as well as assist in securing lodging and transportation for the crews with an extended scheduled visit.
The tentatively planned activities for "Wine Country AirFest" will be the usual display of attending Classic General Aviation and Warbird aircraft from 10:00AM - 3:30PM as well as the "Rocketeer Cafe" open for lunch from 11:30AM - 1:00PM. The Museum with the assistance of Cafe's Catering staff and local wineries will also be conducting a wine tasting with appetizers from 2:30PM - 4:30PM. A barbecue Tri-tip dinner that includes the mouth watering homemade desserts prepared by the Catering Staff will be served from 5:00PM - 6:30PM. The members of the Royal Garden Swing Orchestra will provide music throughout the evening for everyone to enjoy their meal as well as for attendees to dance to until the close of the event at 9:00PM.
The Museum realizes that these are tough and extremely hard economic times for the attending aircrews. In recognition of this as well as the Museum's appreciation for those flying in to attend this event will be granted a special rate of $25.00 per person for the Wine Tasting, Dinner, and Dance.
Pre-Event Ticket prices for the event:
- General Public $45.00
- Museum Members $35.00
- Military w/Dependents $35.00
Day of the Event:
- General Public: $50.00
- Museum Members $40.00
The Museum is an IRS registered 501(C) (3) non-profit corporation, the purchaser of a ticket for this event is permitted to declare it as a donation to the Museum Additional to this the Museum also has reserve a special rate for lodging from its sponsor Holiday Inn and Suites for those choosing to remain overnight.
The Museum request that those, who are planning to attend this event, reserve a place to park your aircraft due to a limited amount of ramp area at the Museum. The Museum will have transportation available for those parking their aircraft on the transit aircraft ramp at the rear of the hotel. For reservation scheduling or more information please call the Museum: Friday - Sunday, 10:00AM - 3:30PM (805)-922-8758