Carnival rides and games, live entertainment, one of the largest free admission cruise-ins in the area; there is something for everyone at the New Carlisle Heritage of Flight Festival & Parade.
The 12th Annual Heritage of Flight Festival and Parade in downtown New Carlisle kicks off on Friday September 30th and runs all weekend (Saturday, October 1, and Sunday October 2). This year the entertainment, food, fun and prizes are at a completely new level, promised the Heritage of Flight Committee.
Friday, at 2:00 pm, Main Street in New Carlisle transforms into the festival platform, opening the beer and brat hanger and setting the mood by welcoming classic cars from all over the United States, last year the total cars on display reached 650! While enjoying the atmosphere and the great food, peek at the great car accessory and car related items from area vendors such as Profiler Accessory and Performance Depot at the silent auction, sponsored by New Carlisle Chrysler. Simply place your name and bid on the line and who know you might win that pin striping kit you need, or a great chrome shine gift set, there is something for everyone. The 50/50 ticket raffle continues through the weekend, the winner announced between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday, October 2; the winner does not need to be present to win the cash prize. Over the years, the raffle totals exceed $6000. The Heritage of Flight Committee holds the 50/50 raffle every year to raise money to support the local law enforcement and expenses, which ensures that the festival and the city of New Carlisle stay safe. The money raised through the 50/50 helps pay the officers on duty for the festival. No government funds pay the officers for the Heritage of Flight Festival and Parade.
Jeff Lutz, host of the Discovery Channel series, Street Outlaws, accomplished race car driver, will be showcasing his infamous “Mad Max.” Lutz’s 1960 Pro-Mod Camero, featured in Septembers issue of Drag Magazine, swept the National Trails Raceway in Columbus, Ohio running at a 6.195 time at 243.51. Jeff joins the Heritage of Flight car show and cruise-in every year without charging an appearance fee, because “he loves the town of New Carlisle and the great people he meets here every year.” This year, with weather permitting, he will also bring his 1964 Bat mobile for those of all ages to appreciate. Last year, Lutz displayed his 1957 Chevrolet, Evil Twin.
What cruise-in wouldn’t be complete without the Main Stage entertainment of The Fleez the local band of Larry Mills, Fred Shuirr, Ed Haskins, Mike Colley and Terry Metz, filling the streets with free entertainment with over 150 tunes of the times. The Fleez take the Main Stage at 5:00 pm, moving and grooving over 5 generations of classic rock and dance music. Do not miss out, when the Fleez break; a winner is announced from one of the many auctions, drawings, contest and raffles during the three day, live caricature drawings provided by local Miami Valley artist, Dan Foster. Known for his work with pet portraits and accentuating the positive features of a muse, sponsored by Coburn’s Concrete, keep the family vibe positive throughout the night. Thinking about a home cooked country dinner with the choices on the fairway of Main Street such as newcomers Nacho Pig offering chocolate covered bacon and Deep Fried Heaven serving up everything your heart desires deep fried, the Honey Creek Presbyterian Church has you covered from 5pm to 7pm with a chicken noodle dinner.
Saturday morning from 7am-10am, take the family to a Pancake Breakfast provided by the United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Main Street and Madison Street or cheer on your local athlete, friend or family member at the 5K Walk/Run, sponsored by the Optimist Club. The Flight Pageant Crowning Ceremony across from the Main Stage, this year almost double the contestants as last year. With stage improvements, more contestants, trophies and prizes. Keep your eyes to the sky for The Fastrax Parachute Jump taking place over Main Street to open the 2016 Parade of Planes and Community Parade starting at 11:00 am.
The Heritage of Flight Committee would like to give great thanks to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and their mentor whose hard work and dedication to the parade and community festival do not go unnoticed.
A big thank you from the committee goes to Ron and Jane Manamans for providing lunch and a rest area for the Shriners during their visit. With so many appreciated donations and contributions, the silent auction continues next to the Beer and Brat Hanger from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm throughout Saturday evening.
Family fun continues as Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken sets to attempt to break the World Record for the most people doing the chicken dance at once at 1:00 pm on the Main Stage. Take in some Big Screen Sports at the Beer and Brat Hanger; listen to Bud Brubaker, Mac McKenzie, Paul Odegard and Pat Carine Sr., of the Bluegrass and Gospel music band, Storms Creek and the New Carlisle Community Chorus. At 5:00 pm, get a bowl of chicken and noodles while Dominos Pizza opens the floor of the Mains Stage with a chicken wing-eating contest; enter for a chance to win $100- $150. Shelby Love Brothers, a local band out of Columbus, three brothers who centered on a harmonica, piano and guitar, with the down-home rock and roll classics and originals, provide family entertainment for the evening.
Sunday wraps up the weekend of festivities with the Jim Slanker Memorial Chair Races on the corner of Main Street and Jefferson Street at 1:00 pm, and artist Dan Foster returns for live caricatures on Main Street. During the Heritage of Flight Festival pick up your New Carlisle Christmas 2016, royal blue holiday ornaments. All of the proceeds benefit the Christmas Parade and the New Carlisle New Years Ball Drop. The Heritage of Flight Parade and Festival Committee members would also like to thank the Flying Angels and all of their sponsors and supporters who continue to make the Heritage of Flight Festival and Parade possible every year.
