The annual Lunken Airport Days returns this weekend, offering Cincinnati residents a free, family‑friendly celebration of the city’s World War II aviation heritage. The open house runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport, with no charge for admission or parking.
Historic aircraft and hands‑on experiences
Visitors can walk the flight line and view iconic WWII planes, including a restored B‑29 Superfortress and a P‑51 Mustang. Pilot Mark Novak, who has flown his B‑29 at dozens of air shows, will guide tours of the bomber, sharing stories of the men who crewed these machines. “We get a lot of family members who have a picture of dad flying. They want to sit in the seat. That’s what we do,” Novak said.
Community spirit and patriotic ceremony
Beyond the aircraft, the event features a classic‑car showcase, a variety of food trucks, and a helicopter ride for those seeking a bird’s‑eye view of the airport grounds. At noon each day, a patriotic color‑guard ceremony will raise the flag, honoring the men and women who served during the war.
Volunteer pilots recall the unity of the home front
Long‑time volunteer pilot Jeff Linebaugh reflected on the era’s sense of national unity. “The country was unified. Everybody came together. Women went into the factories and they built these airplanes, and 19‑year‑olds from Ohio got on a train and went to war, and everybody worked together. It was a team,” he said.
Family‑focused learning
The open house is designed to connect younger generations with the stories of their grandparents and great‑grandparents. Children can sit in the cockpits of the historic planes, ask questions of veteran pilots, and see firsthand the technology that helped secure victory overseas.
Practical details
Parking is free in the airport’s lot, and the venue is fully accessible. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as popular attractions such as the helicopter rides may fill quickly. For more information, visit the official Lunken Airport Days website or follow the airport’s social‑media channels.
Lunken Airport Days continues a tradition of honoring Cincinnati’s contributions to the war effort while providing a lively, educational outing for the entire community.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
