A site that once served as a World War II dive-bomber training center in Cape May will offer a full weekend of up-close experiences with historic aircraft and crew members.
AirFest, Naval Air Station Wildwood’s (NASW) largest annual fundraiser, will celebrate its 29th anniversary during Labor Day weekend. You’ll see aircraft like the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet fighter, capable of flying over 500 mph; the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair, nicknamed “Whistling Death;” the C-53 “Beach City Baby,” a rare troop transport variant of the DC-3, with its fully restored wartime interior that you can tour; the SNJ (AT-6 Texan), and the rare Fuji LM-1 “Nikko,” a Japanese post-war trainer with only three airworthy examples remaining in the U.S.
Inside the NASW Aviation Museum – which is dedicated to the 42 aviators who died while training at NASW Wildwood between 1943 and 1945 – you’ll see the permanent collection of over 28 aircraft and helicopters, including NASW’s most recent acquisition, the AV-8B Harrier II+; as well as special exhibits like the Longest Yarn 3D wool exhibit; and Warbirds of Glory’s B-25J SandBar Mitchell nose section and operating turret.
Throughout the weekend, there will be live entertainment, food vendors, local artisans, free face painting and caricatures, and Ted Schwartz’s 1940s-style radio broadcast. Aside from military vehicles and fire trucks, you’ll meet reenactors as well as Smokey Bear. On Saturday, look up for a unique fly-in by the Aero Club of Pennsylvania and the Experimental Aircraft Association; then look down for performances by the Magnolia Sadies, a vintage dance troupe.
Naval Air Station Wildwood (NAWS) Aviation Museum is located inside historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport, 500 Forrestal Rd., Cape May (Lower Twp.). The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
AirFest takes place from Thursday, August 28, through Sunday, August 31, from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The event as a whole, scheduling, the appearance of aircraft and other factors may change based on mission requirements, weather conditions, and maintenance needs.
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