N※N

Wings Over Wrightsville Beach airshow to bring high-flying entertainment

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. -airshow-to-bring-high-flying-entertainment.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 23:52 GMT by WECT
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Wings Over Wrightsville Beach: A High‑Flying Celebration of Aviation and Community Spirit

On Saturday, September 29, 2025, the coastal town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, set its skies ablaze with the annual “Wings Over Wrightsville Beach” airshow, a long‑standing festival that has become a cornerstone of the region’s summer calendar. The event, which drew an estimated 12,000 spectators from across the Southeast, showcased a dazzling array of military and civilian aircraft, aerobatic displays, and interactive exhibits that celebrated both the heritage of aviation and the resilience of the local community.

A Day of Thrills for All Ages

The airshow kicked off at 11:00 a.m. with a spectacular fly‑past by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, who performed their signature wing‑divided formation at an altitude of just 1,200 feet above the Atlantic. The crowd’s roar was joined by a series of mid‑air maneuvers that left families and aviation enthusiasts alike in awe. Following the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force’s “A-10 Thunderbolt II” “Warthog” joined the show, completing a series of loops and rolls that highlighted the aircraft’s rugged versatility.

The heart of the event was the “American Eagle Show,” a group of highly trained pilots who performed daring aerobatics in vintage World War II fighters, including a restored P‑51 Mustang and a Grumman F‑14 Tomcat replica. Their routine, which featured a high‑speed dive from 15,000 feet followed by a dramatic barrel roll, was described by the event organizer as “a living testament to the bravery and skill of our nation’s pilots.”

In addition to the aerial performances, the airshow offered a comprehensive ground‑based experience. A dedicated “Kids’ Zone” provided interactive displays, flight simulators, and a meet‑and‑greet with a retired Air Force pilot. The zone also included a “Build‑Your‑Own‑Paper‑Plane” contest that saw over 200 entries from local schools.

Community Involvement and Economic Impact

The Wings Over Wrightsville Beach airshow is not only a showcase of aviation prowess; it’s also a vital economic driver for the region. According to the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce, the event generates an estimated $1.2 million in revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses. “We’re proud to see the positive impact this event has on our economy,” said Chamber President Maria Hernandez. “It’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and the people who make our town a vibrant place to live.”

Local businesses served as sponsors and exhibitors, offering everything from beach gear to gourmet foods. A banner at the main entrance highlighted the partnership with the “Wrightsville Beach Historical Society,” which showcased a display on the town’s early aviation history, including photographs of the first commercial flights that used the Wrightsville Municipal Airport in the 1920s.

The event also featured a “Coast Guard Rescue Mission” segment, where U.S. Coast Guard pilots demonstrated a simulated sea‑rescue operation. The demonstration was accompanied by a briefing on maritime safety and an interactive workshop on basic first aid for maritime emergencies.

A Look Back at the Origins of the Airshow

The Wings Over Wrightsville Beach airshow began in 1995 as a modest community event featuring a single small aircraft and a handful of local enthusiasts. Over the years, it grew into a nationally recognized showcase that now attracts pilots from all corners of the United States. In a statement, event founder and long‑time aviation hobbyist Jack McConnell said, “We started this to bring the joy of flight to our neighbors. It’s heartening to see it evolve into a multi‑day festival that brings people together and sparks interest in aviation for the next generation.”

A link in the original article directed readers to the airshow’s official website, www.wingsoverwrightsville.com, where ticket information, a detailed schedule, and a downloadable map of the event grounds can be found. The site also offers a virtual tour of the airshow’s past years, including footage of historic moments such as the first appearance of the Blue Angels in 1998.

Safety and Accessibility

In light of the growing attendance, organizers placed a strong emphasis on safety. The event complied with all FAA regulations, and a dedicated safety team monitored the airspace and coordinated with the nearby U.S. Coast Guard air traffic control. The airshow’s ground crew, composed of volunteers and local law enforcement, ensured that crowd flow was smooth and that medical assistance was available throughout the day.

Accessibility was also a priority. The event’s venue, located adjacent to the Wrightsville Beach Community Center, featured wheelchair‑accessible viewing platforms and shuttle services from the nearest parking areas. “We want everyone to enjoy the show, whether they’re a seasoned pilot or a first‑time visitor,” noted McConnell.

Looking Ahead

As the curtain falls on another successful Wings Over Wrightsville Beach airshow, anticipation is already building for the next year’s festivities. While the exact lineup has yet to be released, industry insiders predict that the event will feature newer aircraft such as the F‑35 Lightning II and a revamped aerobatic show by the “Top Gun” alumni squad. Additionally, the event’s website indicates plans to expand the Kids’ Zone and introduce a new “Drone Tech” exhibit that will showcase the latest in unmanned aerial systems.

For those who missed the spectacle this year, the Wings Over Wrightsville Beach airshow offers a glimpse into a vibrant intersection of history, technology, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation aficionado or simply looking for a memorable day out with family, the event stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, professionalism, and local pride take to the skies.