THREE COAST AVIATION
World War II Weekend
World War II Weekend is held the first weekend each June at Reading Regional Airport in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, the show typically features a strong roster of warbirds but is also one of the largest gatherings of re-enactors in the world. World War II Veteran special guests, a parade of military vehicles, tribute performances and a big band hangar dance to the sounds of Glenn Miller all contribute to transport visitors back in time. The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum collection contains 65 aircraft, including airworthy examples of the North American B-25J Mitchell and Grumman TBM-3 Avenger. The museum is also in the process of restoring a rare Northrop P-61 Black Widow, one of only four remaining in the world, with the goal of returning the plane to flying status.
2021
I had wanted to visit this event for many years and was finally able to make it on June 5, 2021. Due to my late arrival at the field because I was coming from the west coast I was unable to enjoy the re-enactor camps and villages that make the show special, so I look forward to seeing those on a future visit. I did spend a wonderful day on the hill located to the southwest of the airport enjoying the perfect weather and surrounded by good friends. The highlights included the three wonderful heavies from Yankee Air Museum, including the B-25D Mitchell 'Rosie's Reply' which was performing in its first public display since being repainted. I was very excited at the addition of Mark Murphy's A6M2 Zero "Last Samurai", FG-1D Corsair, and P-51D Mustang "Tiger's Revenge" for the Saturday show. Finally, it was nice to see two of my favourite aircraft the B-29 Superfortress 'Fifi' and the SBD-5 Dauntless 'Lady In Blue'. Now that I have been to this event and gotten a small taste of how entertaining it is I hope to attend regularly.
For a more detailed review please check out my American Adventure article at Checksix - the military aviation online magazine, as World War II Weekend was part of a three week photography tour of the United States. https://www.checksix.de/review/airshows/shaws-adventure/
