A Douglas DC-3/C47 cargo plane sits on the tarmac at the
Kent State University Airport during the 2014 Aviation
Heritage Fair. The plane is owned by the Yankee Air
Museum and was open for tours.

Kent State University’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology will host its 19th Aviation Heritage Fair on Sept. 19 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate Ohio’s diverse aviation heritage.

The fair, which will take place at Andrew W. Paton Field at the Kent State University Airport, located at 4020 Kent Road in Stow, Ohio, is a family-friendly event that celebrates aviation by showcasing legacy aircraft, experienced speakers and pilots, and demonstrates the diversity of the aviation field.

“Aviation is special in a way; there is something about the freedom and the dream of flying that speaks to the heart,” says Maureen McFarland, senior academic program director for Kent State’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology.

Aeronautics is one of Kent State’s top academic programs, and the Aviation Heritage Fair celebrates and shares this strength with the community.

The fair is open to the public, and free parking will be available at the airport and the Stow-Kent Shopping Center; however, a donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is recommended. All proceeds will fund aeronautics student scholarships at Kent State.

Throughout the day, guests are invited to view the vintage aircraft on the grounds, take a hot air balloon or airplane ride, explore military vehicles, attend presentations by experienced keynote speakers, enjoy food from vendors, and participate in raffles and children’s activities.

“We’ve always wanted to expand the educational aspect of our fair by highlighting the expertise of our faculty, staff, students and alumni,” McFarland says. “In pursuit of this, we’ve added several other guest speakers to the agenda.”

This year’s presenters include Kent State Assistant Professor of Aeronautics Robert Priestley, First Officer at Delta Air Lines and Kent State alumna Irena Wentzel, Cold and Vietnam War veteran Ken Ramsay, Kent State Aircraft Maintenance Manager Joshua S. Eyring, and WWII veteran and Tuskegee Airman Roy S. Richardson. Speeches will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

A volunteer gives a quick tour of a North American B-25
Mitchell Bomber during the 2014 Aviation Heritage Fair at
the Kent State University Airport.

The event also will feature roughly 25 static aircraft displays for guests to explore. Some aircraft, such as the Yankee Air Museum’s WWII Warbird, the North American B-25 Mitchell "Yankee Warrior," will offer flights throughout the day. Seats are limited, so reservations are required for flights in the WWII Warbird, the North American SNJ-4 and a hot air balloon. Kent State also will offer airplane rides on a first-come, first-serve basis with the Kent State Precision Flight Team at $30 per person.

The Kent State University Airport also will collect pet food donations at the fair for local animal shelters. The airport’s Props-4-Paws fall pet food drive will continue until Nov. 17 with the goal of collecting 1,500 pounds of pet food and supplies, such as canned quality brand food, cat litter, treats and toys.

For a more detailed schedule of events, visit http://aviationheritagefair.com.

To schedule a flight in the WWII Warbird, contact Vince Caruso at 330-592-0316 or visit www.YankeeAirMuseum.org to make a reservation.

To schedule a flight in the North American SNJ-4, call the Buffalo Heritage Squadron at 716-249-0540 or visit www.buffaloheritagesquadron.com.

To schedule a hot air balloon ride, contact Dennis Welser at 330-633-3288.

For more information about Kent State’s Aeronautics Program and the College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology, visit www.kent.edu/caest.