Lewiston, ID- After years of Covid hibernation, Lewiston’s Radials N’ Rivers Fly-In is scheduled for July 1, and on a mission to showcase some of the world’s most famous military aircraft along with beautiful vintage planes.
Many of these planes are brought in from museums and personal owners in order to share the history behind these historical monuments. Gary Peters with Hangar 180 is one of the organizers who put in the effort to share his passion and appreciation for the aircraft that fought for our nations freedoms.
“We’re getting to show flying monuments to our community. These are the reasons we are free. If you ask any warbird owner, they’ll tell you the same thing. It’s one thing to see them in a static museum, but it’s another thing to watch them fly, and to hear them and smell them and be able to get up close,” Said Peters
Nearly 40 planes will be in attendance during the event including three P-38 Lockheeds, a twin piston-engined fighter aircraft that was used during World War II. There are only nine flying P-38s in the world and three will be at the Radials N’ Rivers event. Airplanes aren’t the only piece of history that will be in attendance. Many veterans from all over are invited to attend the event for free. Peters says “it’s amazing to see the faces of these veterans when they get to see these planes that they once flew.” Peters says that this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the largest warbird gatherings on the West Coast, and maybe even the world.
Retired Brig. Gen. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson will also be in attendance at the 2023 Radials N’ Rivers Fly-In as the Guest of Honor. In December Mr. Anderson was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general by, Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.
Anderson is 101 years-old and the last living World War II triple ace. According to an article on the United States Air Force website, he flew 116 combat missions as a fighter pilot and leader with the 357th Fighter Group during WWII. He shot down 16 ¼ enemy aircraft during combat in his P-51 Mustang, earning the title, “triple ace.” The term ‘Ace’ is used to describe a fighter pilot who has been credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft.
Anderson served from 1942 to 1972. Some of his decorations include: two Legion of Merits, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals and the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring from active duty, Anderson worked at the F-15 test facility at Edwards Air Force Base.
Radials N’ Rivers will be hosted just south of the Lewiston Airport in Lewiston, ID at Hillcrest Aircraft Company. Gates are open 7:30am to 4:30pm and parking will be available at a nearby parking lot on the backside of the airport with shuttle service to the venue beginning at 7am. Tickets to Radials N’ Rivers are available to purchase in advance for $10 from Banner Bank in Lewiston and Clarkston, Rogers Toyota, Rogers Subaru, Rogers Chrysler dodge Jeep Ram, Les Schwab locations in Lewiston and Clarkston, and inside the Hot Shots Café. If you live out of town, tickets are available for purchase online at hangar180.ticketspice.com/radials-n-rivers Veterans with an ID and children under 12 with an adult are free.
For photos or more information visit Dailyfly.com/radials-n-rivers or www.facebook.com/hangar180museum
