Historic World War II planes to fly into Branson on Labor Day weekend

The Commemorative Air Force AirPower History Tour is flying its way into the Branson Airport Jet Center on Labor Day weekend.

The group is going to be displaying historic World World II planes through out the event. Some of the planes included on the tour will be the P-51 Mustang Gunfighter, B-25 Mitchell Show Me, T-34 Mentor, PT-13 Boeing

Stearman, and B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil', just to name a few. Event coordinator Ty Lewis tells us that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Diamond Lil', and it is the oldest four-engine bomber in the

United States. While 18,000 B-24's were produced, the Lil' is only one of two that is still flying today.

The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit group based out of Texas, and they are dedicated to preserving and the showing of historical aircrafts in the United States and Canada. The group dates back to 1957,

beginning with four friends who purchased a P-51 Mustang known as Red Nose. The group got serious around 1960 and held their first airshow in 1963. Their goal is to maintain and fly the WWII era planes for as long

as possible. But also to honor the men and women who originally built, maintained, and flew the planes in World War II. This will be the CAF's 2nd year in the Branson area.

The patriotic celebration kicks off on Friday, September 2nd and will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and

Sunday's celebrations will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. WWII veterans can attend for free, but there is an admission charge of $15 for 18 years and up. $5 will cover the ages of 11-17. Kids 10 and under will get in for free.

Attendees can expect a tour of available aircrafts, where they can touch the planes. Visitors can also purchase rides on the planes at the following website. www.airpowertour.org and at the event. They will also be able to view the planes in flight.

Lewis also tells us that Saturday's event will feature a USO stage show and dance at the Branson Jet Center Hangar. The dance is scheduled to begin at 8pm that evening. Lewis says that it would be great if people dressed in World War II garb, for the event. The plan is for the dance to seem as authentic as possible for its time period. There will be a 1940's big band to provide the music. The cost of the show does not have a chosen price at this time but the money will go to the Branson Veterans Task Force and veterans groups from around the area. Ty Lewis also says that the airport is currently looking for sponsors for the event.

It has also been said that there will be a few surprises that spectators can expect.

The Branson Airport Jet Center's location is 130 Wright Brothers Road in Hollister, Missouri. You can find out about more activities at bransonwarplanes.com and for additional information you can reach out to event coordinator, Ty Lewis at 417-334-8339 or tlewis@flybranson.com