Northwest Indiana was home to several WWII related events over the past year, and I feel this would be an appropriate time to tell about them.
They all started on the weekend of April 30 and May 1, 2005 with the Lake County Parks Dept. presenting "WWII Tribute Weekend". The show is the largest of its type in the Midwest according to the event website and the show continues to grow. Over 300 reenactors and over 100 pieces of equipment are on display for up-close inspection. Overhead vintage warbirds just added to the excitement. Warbirds included a P-51D Mustang (Indiana Aviation Museum), a PT-17, and a TBM-3E Avenger (Tom Buck). Two battles were performed daily.
On that same weekend the Indiana Aviation Museum hosted a small fly-in of warbirds to help celebrate the 5th Anniversary of its opening. Nearly 15 AT-6/ SNJ Texans filled the skies from all over the midwest. Also on hand was Tom Buck's immaculate TBM Avenger.
Then on July 25-27 the Collings Foundation arrived with their B-17 & B-24. Weather was hot and muggy, but is normal for the time of the year. The B-17 & B-24 both flew two flights each over the course of the stay. On Tuesday, July 26, the B-24 had its Left-Main Tire swaped. Also during the stay a small display of WWII memorabelia was put on display for purchase through a private vendor. EAA Chapter #104 had a food stand set up selling Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Drinks. Hopefully the Collings Bomber duo returns in 2006.
I believe the Indiana Aviation Museum is correct in stating "Northwest Indiana is a place where History Flies". I can't wait til next year for even more exciting events.
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