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It may not be the Blue Angels or even a squadron of F-16 jets, but the Hamilton County Fair will feature a flyover as part of its Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 1.  It is being organized by  Ron Gieleghem, part of a local group called the Cincinnati River Rats. They are from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. The formation may also have one or two from the Ohio Valley RVators from Dayton and Columbus.

All of the pilots are experienced professionals with substantial flying time. Most are Air Force, Air Line, or Corporate pilots. The airplanes are RV aircraft, named for Richard VanGruevson who designed them. There are more than 5000 flying around the world. The aircraft are capable of operating out of short grass strips, but can also go from Cincinnati to Orlando Florida non-stop with two people and baggage in four hours. Normal cruise speed is 200 mph, but the pilots will be closer to 160 mph while maneuvering the formation for the flybys.

“All of the pilots are working, most are on call for trips. I am hoping for 6 aircraft, but could have from 2 to 8. Either way we will be there between 11:32 and 11:33 (just after the singing of the National Anthem) for the first pass and plan on maneuvering in the area with four passes over the Fair Grounds,” reports Ron.

Among the other events during the fair are Demolition Derbies, the USA Finals of the World Karoake Championship, a Bobcat Rodeo, the opportunity to out-eat a pizza-eating bear, Magic by Tom Bemmes, livestock displays and shows, a Blacksmith, Cooking Demonstrations and dozens of displays or vegetables, cakes, pies, antiques and more.

The Fair runs from August 1 to August 5 at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, located in Carthage. General Admission is $8 which includes a ride pass and parking, or visitors can purchase a Fair Membership for $20 which provides free admission and parking during the entire Fair. Seniors are admitted free with a Golden Buckeye Card and anyone can enter free Wednesday through Friday from 11 am through 2 pm. Admission does not include rides.

More info is available at the Fair’s web site, www.hamiltoncountyfair.com.

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