'Battle of the sexes' coming to 3rd Celebration of Flight Airshow

The theme of the third Celebration of Flight Airshow at the Andrews-Murphy Airport in Cherokee County, NC is "60 Years of Service - Fueling for the Future." Billed as "The Best Flying Show in the Region," the civilian-military airshow will feature warbirds and civilian aerobatics that will both entertain and educate all who attend.

Sponsors and partners for the 2006 show include Aegis Power Systems, Andrews Chamber of Commerce, Andrews Valley Inn, Best Western of Murphy, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Dickey Supply Co., Grand Vista, Harrah's, KIA of Blue Ridge in Murphy, LPA Group of NC, Municipal Engineering, Murphy Electric Power Board, Phillips & Jordan, Rushing Creek

Boutique, Sioux Tools, Smoky Mountain Aero, Wal-Mart and Wells & West.

Show contributors are the Andrews Journal, Cherokee County EMT, Fire & Rescue, the Cherokee County Schools, Sheriff's Department and staff, Cherokee Scout, Creative Printers, Farley Insurance, First Citizens Bank, Jan Industries, Laney Construction Co., NC Highway Patrol, Indian Hills Spring Water, Sentinel Newspapers, WCVP/WCNG, WKRK and WPPL.

Sponsors are still welcome and vendors are needed. For information, contact Nancy Frahmann, 828-321-2141.

This year's event features nine of the best aerobatic pilots in the world today. Two aerobatic teams, two female performers and a battle of the sexes will take to the skies above the airport between Murphy and Andrews.

Mark your calendar now to fly in or drive in for the Oct. 21 Celebration of Flight Airshow that is commemorating the airport's 60th anniversary. In addition to the thrilling aerobatic show planned are high tech flying displays, static displays, demonstrations, flyovers and more. The Young Eagles' ground program, Smoky Mountain Aero plane rides, food vendors and aviation vendors will add to the festivities. It's definitely a day for camera buffs, and a memorable experience to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Over 7,000 people turned out for the 2003 airshow, the first held in over 30 years at the Cherokee County, NC regional airport. Nearly 10,000 came out for the one in 2004.

Making the event possible is the Cherokee County Airport

Commission in cooperation with David Schultz Airshows and the sponsors and contributors. Committee chairman Steve Vicknair and others are excited about the plans for the 2006 event. "Aviation enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the awesome sights and sounds of the day, set in peak leaf season in the beautiful far western North Carolina Mountains," said Vicknair.

A complete schedule and updated information about the show and the performers is posted at www.schultzairshows. com/andrewsnc2006.ht m.

Airshow admission is $5 for adults and free for children age 12 and under. The gates will open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Performances are expected to end by 4 p.m. Limited onsite parking will be available as well as off-site parking with free shuttle services