Lincoln Airport's Wings & Wheels flies high

What a difference a year makes! Last year it was a 'heavy dew,' aka rain, during the only time in a six-month period where there was precipitation. This year, there wasn't even a hint of rain, perhaps because it doesn't rain when the temperatures hit triple digits. So, yes, it was HOT - and even hotter on the black tarmac – but that didn't stop the steady inflow of guests, or the aircraft that flew in for the show, or the cars that started arriving at 5 a.m. The event started at 5 p.m. Friday night and featured food trucks, the Regular's band, and the major attraction of night: Four hot air balloons lighting up the sky in a spectacular "Moon Glow." Spectators began arriving at the airport Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. to watch the balloons being assembled, and the lift off began in the morning's still air at 7 a.m. Event gates opened at 7:00 a.m., as did the tethered hot air balloon rides, where guests had the opportunity to rise 500 feet for a birds-eye view of the airport and local scenery. By 9:30 a.m., all the 225 eye-candy cars and 70 aircraft were in place on the tarmac, including the large US Coast Guard C-27, Vintage Aircraft's World War II A-26 bomber, and several fixed wing and helicopters from CalFire, the California Highway Patrol, and Placer County. The CalFire aircraft departed early to help fight a fire. Lincoln police and fire crews were also represented with trucks and cars, and their command center. Whatever type of car you liked, it was there: antique, classic, sports, or exotic. Aircraft ranged from the 1929 Pietenpol to modern fiberglass aircraft. WW II training aircraft were also present, one of which was judged Aircraft Best of Show. The 10 a.m. opening ceremony was capped off by a 12-ship formation by the West Coast Ravens flight demonstration team. Later in the morning, guests were treated to a three-ship flyover by Beale Air Force Base's T-38 Talon aircraft. Youngsters had an opportunity to 'fly' simulators and learn about airplanes at the California Air and Space Museum' exhibit in the Youth Aviation Expo. Outside the Expo, youngsters had the opportunity to paint a Cessna C-182 for donations to the charitable organization Safe Flight, which alerts young people to the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The event was sponsored by the city of Lincoln, with major logistical support from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Airport's pilot group. Lincoln Chamber CEO Tom Indrieri said, "Wings & Wheels is quickly becoming Lincoln's premier event. Families can enjoy aircraft, cars, hot air balloons, educational activities for the young and young at heart, vendors, non-profits, and food trucks. It's become an event where memories are made."