On Sunday, May 20, the story of aviation in Wausau will come to life at the Downtown Wausau Airport and the newly renovated Airport Park. Join the Marathon County Historical Society and the Southeast Side Neighborhood Group for one wondrous day of aviation fun with costumed re-enactors telling the stories of the pioneering days of aviation, vintage aircraft to explore, and a night of old time aviation films.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with the re-dedication ceremony celebrating the newly redesigned Alexander Airport Park. This aviation themed neighborhood park features a walking path that mirrors the runways at the airport and play equipment with an air travel twist. The focal point of the park is the mounted historic Corsair fighter jet, which had previously been a part of Wausau’s VFW Post 388.

Following the park dedication, beginning at 11 a.m., guided tours of the airport begin. The docent-led tours explore the airport’s grounds and history through the stories of aviation pioneers as told by costumed re-enactors. A special gathering of more than a dozen vintage airplanes will be on display throughout the day for exploration, and amazing photo opportunities. Weather permitting you will see World War I aircraft in action as they take to the skies. Tour groups of about 20 people will run continuously (about every 15 minutes), with the last tour leaving at 4 p.m.

A special Preview Party will be held at Bull Falls Brewery on Saturday, May 19, beginning at 7 p.m. The kick off includes showings of black and white aviation films and visits from costumed pilots, as well as an historic plane in the parking lot for a close up look at World War I aviation technology.

There is no admission fee for this family-friendly, all ages event. For more information, please call the Marathon County Historical Society at 715-842-5750 or visit marathoncountyhistory.org.

Support for this event was provided through the The Dudley Foundation, B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation, Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Paul S. & Ruth M. Schultz Family Foundation, Wausau Flying Service, Sun Printing, and Wisconsin Public Service.