Press Releases
Vintage Airplanes Fly-In For Petaluma's Veterans Day Parade
Petaluma | CA
Vintage war birds and sleek air racers fly-in to "America's Quintessential Hometown," on Nov. 11 to take part in what has been called the "largest Veterans Day Parade north of the Golden Gate."
The planes will fly in formation over Historic Downtown Petaluma, California between 1 and 2 p.m. as the Annual Northbay Veterans Day Parade, which begins at 1 p.m., winds its way north from the starting point at Walnut Park at "D" Street, proceeds along 4th and Kentucky streets, rounds the corner at Washington Street and heads south along Petaluma Boulevard to finish up back at Walnut Park.
Prior to the parade, the aircraft will be on display, starting at 8:30 a.m., at the Petaluma Airport, 601 Sky Ranch Drive, where for a $20 donation, visitors can view the planes, talk with test pilots, air racers, air show performers and veterans. Then, if they choose, stay to watch as the aircraft taxi out and roar into the air for the formation flyover of the downtown parade and airport.
According to Kent Carlomagno, aviation event coordinator and president of the Yakovlev Fighter Pilots Assn. (415-847-3402), there could be more than 20 special planes on hand for the event, including the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the Grumman F4 Navy Wildcat, the Messerschmitt Bf109F-4A, the North American P-51D Mustang and a very special gathering/appearance of rare Eastern Block Russian Yalovlev fighter-type aircraft.
During the parade, military color guards and vehicles, drill teams, and specialty units march along on the ground with along with the traditional floats, horses, antique cars, fire engines, bands and scout troops. Historically a short memorial ceremony at Walnut Park follows the parade.
According to Steve Kemmerle, parade coordinator from American
Legion Post 28, participation in this year's parade could top
the more than 60 entries and 750 individuals that took part last
year. In the early 90's the number of parade entries reached 100.
Kemmerle dates the official start of the parade from 1986 when
50 veterans joined 92-year old Julius Forcucci, who carried the
American flag, during an annual trek through Historic Downtown.
Other sources say the event has been taking place in Petaluma
for more than 80 years.
For more information about the air show and fly-in contact Kent Carlomagno at (415) 847-3402 or visit www.petalumaveteransflyin.com. For information about the parade, contact Steve Kemmerle at (707)762-5710 or for event information that includes Petaluma lodging, dining and other attractions, contact the Petaluma Visitor Center at (707) 769-0429 or toll free at 1-877-2-PETALUMA. Parade or Fly In images are available.
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