MANSFIELD — Tom Hager said he believes an epic airshow at Mansfield’s Lahm Regional Airport next year could do more than simply entertain.
He’s hoping it will inspire local youth to dream big long after the smoke fades.
“It is my hope and our committee’s hope that we inspire young students to spark an interest in aviation careers,” said Hager, chair of the Wings Over Mansfield committee.
“It is possible that the next generation of pilots come from attending air shows at Mansfield Lahm.”
Hager attended airshows at Lahm growing up and those memories never left him. Seeing the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform in 1990 sparked a lifelong interest in aviation.
Now, the Wings of Mansfield committee is working to bring those experiences back to town.
The Wings Over Mansfield airshow will take place Aug. 7 at Mansfield’s Lahm Airport. The event will feature a mix of military and civilian aircraft demonstrations.
Wings Over Mansfield will replace Mansfield Airport Days in 2027, according to Mike Moore, committee vice-chair.
Depending on how it goes, the event could become an annual tradition.
“2027 is the litmus test to see if we can pull this off, to see if it’s sustainable,” said Moore, director of operations at Lahm.
Moore said he believes the event could be a positive driver for local tourism and the economy, much like Inkcarceration — though it will have a very different vibe.
Hager said the event will be more high energy than Lahm Airport Days, which focuses on civilian fly-ins and on-the-ground displays.
“We expect a large crowd of 20,000 plus in attendance,” Hager said. “The goal of this event is to focus on family, honoring military servicemen and veterans and spark an interest in aviation for students.”
While it’s an ambitious goal, this isn’t Hager’s first time at bringing an aerial act to town.
The principal of Malabar Intermediate School was instrumental in launching the Peace on My Block Festival at Arlin Field, where the U.S. Army Golden Knights performed this summer.
The festival has secured eight acts so far — a B-25J Mitchell “Champaign Gal,” De Havilland Vampire, NextGen Eagles, FighterJets Inc — Mig Demo Team, Aarron Deliu, F-100 Super Sabre, Robert “Tico” Lacerda and Skip Stewart.
Committee seeking volunteers, sponsorships to support the show
The committee plans to have around four hours of aerial acts, Hager said, including aerial “dog fight” reenactments.
“An aerial dogfight is a close range battle between two military fighter aircraft. The American F-100 Super Sabre and the Russian MIG-17 will perform an aerial dogfight at Wings Over Mansfield,” Hager said.
“Both aircraft were involved in aerial combat during the Vietnam War. The F-100 was one of the aircraft stationed at Lahm Airport.”
Hager said he also hopes to offer an educational day before the event, where local students can watch performers practice and meet with pilots.
The Wings Over Mansfield committee is currently seeking sponsors and volunteers to help with admission and gate scanners, seating, ground operation and general site set-up.
Community members interested in the event can email wingsovermansfield@gmail.com or mmoore@mansfieldohio.gov.
