ATLANTA and ROME, Ga., Sept. 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The sky won't be the limit at the Wings Over North Georgia Airshow – because the region's number one outdoor fall event is more than just an airshow. The skies over Rome, GA will be filled with aerobatic planes, vintage warbirds and high-powered military jets, but the grounds will be filled with tents, campers, some of the nation's most decorated BBQ Pitmasters, fans of the iconic Charlie Daniel's Band and even the world's most famous horses: the Budweiser Clydesdales.
The hitch team of Clydesdales and their infamous red wagon will parade along the flight line during opening ceremonies at 11:30 pm Saturday, October 3rd. The Budweiser Clydesdales were first introduced to the public on April 7, 1933 to celebrate the repeal of prohibition.
And this year's opening day will also feature the return of the Veteran's Parade of Honor. "We hope to top last year's 1500 plus service men and women participating in the parade, " said John Cowman, president of JLC AirShow Management. "Honoring veterans in this way is why our airshow is so much more than just world-class aerial entertainment."
Foodies may want to visit the competition midway for the Smoke-n-Thunder BBQ Classic to pick up tips on the best techniques for creating award-winning BBQ. Delicious aromas will fill the skies over Rome's Russell Regional Airport, home to the event, as more than 60 teams compete in a rare "DOUBLE" competition for a prize purse exceeding $25,000. Unlike most BBQ events, the Smoke-n-Thunder BBQ Classic offers two days of competition. A limited number of slots are still available for BBQ competition teams to enter the Professional or Back Yard Divisions of the BBQ classic, competing in four meats: chicken, ribs, pork and brisket.
The air show's concert series is back again. In addition to a full roster of some of the nation's top aerobatic and military performers and two days of professional and backyard barbeque competitions, the Charlie Daniels Band is headlining the concert series this year. "The Charlie Daniels Band is America & Country Music's national treasure," Cowman said. Rome's local hometown favorite, The Georgia Blues Brothers Band and the Ladies for Liberty will open for Charlie Daniels. The concerts will begin Saturday after the Wings Over North Georgia airshow activities conclude.
"Few artists have left a more indelible mark on America's musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. He's an outspoken patriot, beloved mentor to young artists and still a road warrior at age 78."
Guests can also still purchase tickets to climb aboard a vintage "DC-3 Commercial Airliner", feel the wind in the open cockpit of a "WACO Biplane" or even take a ride on a Vietnam-era "HUEY" support or "COBRA" attack helicopters. These aircraft assets are operated by the Candler Field Museum and Army Aviation Heritage Foundation flight teams.
The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show and Smoke-n-Thunder BBQ Classic are recognized and sanctioned events by the FAA, DOD, KCBS, GBC and International Council of Air Shows. The two-day event is now projected to attract upwards of 100,000 attendees.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=35910
