‘Wings Over Whiteman’ Returns After Five-year Absence

For the first time in five years, Whiteman Air Force Base will host Wings Over Whiteman.

The last such event was in 2019.

Covid 19 hit in 2020 and wreaked havoc with several annual events, WOW was just one of them.

Tyipcally, Whiteman hosts an air show every other year. So hopefully, this year's event will get the show back on track for those who love to attend air shows.

The one that was held every year at Columbia Regonal Airport, is no more due to the organization “Salute To Veterans” disbanding.

In late October of 2019, the organization (Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Veterans Corporation) announced that the air show had ceased all operations, citing the unavailability of either the Jeff City or Columbia Regional Airports as reliable venues.

Of course, there are air shows in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, but they are usually paid events and require much more drive time from Pettis County. The one at Spirit of St. Louis Airport was held one month ago.

This year's Wings Over Whiteman will be held this weekend, July 13-14.

The ACC A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team takes center stage as the headlining act this year.

A B-29 will also make an appearance at the show.

Items that are allowed at the air show include:

- Containers of Water
- Strollers or pull-along wagons
- Diaper bags
- Small Purses, fanny packs
- Wheelchairs and other medical equipment/devices
- Cameras, smart phones, iPads, tablets, video recorders, binoculars (must be able to demonstrate items are operable)
- Lawn/folding chairs
- Umbrellas

Prohibited items include:

- Alcoholic beverages and federally prohibited substances/drugs (including Marijuana)
- Firearms, knives, Cutting devices, pocket/multi-tools, scissors
- Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners
- Bicycles, skateboards, heelys, roller skates, rollerblades, scooters
- Backpacks, gym bags, rucksacks
- Large Coolers (Lunch boxes are permitted)
- Glass containers
- Balloons, confetti, other items that cause FOD
- Spray paint/silly string
- Animals or pets (Service dogs permitted)
- Drones, Remote Controlled vehicles
Those attending WOW should note that the Main/Spirit Gate will only be available to individuals with current military ID cards.

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Spectators must enter through the North/Knob Noster/Arnold Gate and the South/Lemay Gate. Call (660) 687-7959 for more information.

Gates open at 8:30 both days, with an opening ceremony slated for 11 a.m. Flying acts start performing at 11:15 a.m.

By 3 p.m., the entry gates will be closed. And by 4 p.m., all flying acts will be done.