CAMDENTON, Mo. -- After Camdenton Memorial Airport Manager Corey Leuwerke was approached by Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau and Tri-County Lodging Association administration to start an air show, he knew a great anchor would be to bring in a historic aircraft.
"We started to build the event and landed the B-25 (Mitchell WWII bomber) for rides for veterans," he said. "We had the veteran rides and basically one act with some other activities, not sure of how many people would attend. Then we saw 500 to 1,000 guests. We knew we were onto something."
Since that initial event in 2011, the B-25 has not been able to take flight with veterans or others aboard, merely planted at the show for viewing. However, it is returning this year to give more than 14 World War II, Korean War and other veterans a complimentary ride during the 2014 Lake of the Ozarks Air Show this weekend at Camdenton Memorial Airport.
At the forefront is the event's dedication to honor area veterans. Veteran rides are held at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. aboard the B-25 Friday at the airport, which is open and free for the public to interact with veterans and watch the B-25 take flight.
"It is an honor to do this for our World War II and Korean War veterans; unfortunately every year we have less of them with us," Leuwerke said. "That is one of the biggest comments we receive is the veterans mark those rides as the highlight of the event and what they are waiting for every year."
On Saturday, the day begins with another tribute to Veterans with a pancake breakfast to honor U.S. military from 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at the airport's Hanger D. Veterans and soldiers eat for free, with a nominal fee for guests and others who would like to dine with America's heroes.
A variety of vendors open their booths at 8 a.m. and are open until 4:30 p.m. Another patriotic salute kicks off the celebration with the Fort Leonard Wood 399th Army Band performing from 8 a.m.-9:45 a.m. The Main Street Opry and L.O.Z. Dance Studio will perform at 9:45 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at approximately 10:10 a.m. with the American Legion Zack Wheat Post #624 presenting the colors.
Following the singing of the national anthem and Ozarks Skydivers performance, opening remarks are made from local dignitaries and a slew of aviation infused activities begin.
Thrilling aviation acts for this year's show include the P-51 "Gunfighter," a WWII plane performing aerobatics; stunt flying by Team Vortex and G&M Airshows; wing walking by Dave Dacy Airshows; and performances by the Free-Fall Express Skydivers and the KC Flight Formation Team. The Chevrolet Flash Fire Jet Truck will be racing across the ground, as well.
"You have the big band era with the patriotic music, band performances and emotional skydivers to an AC/DC style event with the jet truck racing up to 300 miles per hour," Leuwerke said. "You truly have something for every age with the ping pong drops, P-51 Mustang Gunfighter acts and so many other stunt and flying acts we have in store."
Leuwerke said they have kept a lot of the favorite acts in the day's line-up, however, have added a few new activities such as the a jet cock-pit simulator available for a nominal fee of $10 for a family.
Local vendors will offer food and drinks for the show, but attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
"The Lake of the Ozarks Air Show delights audiences and honors military heroes each year through the generosity of our sponsors," Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau Executive Director Tim Jacobsen said in a news release about the event.
For attendees, a convenient free shuttle from the parking lots at the Camdenton R-3 schools runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and airport parking is also available for a $5 fee.
To learn more, check www.LakeOfTheOzarksAirShow.com or call the Camdenton Memorial Airport at 573-346-0300.