WEST CHICAGO — Living history graced the skies above the DuPage Airport during Community Days weekend, as “FIFI,” the only airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress soared overhead.
The two-day celebration, which took place Saturday, Aug. 11 and Sunday, Aug. 12, drew a crowd of about 5,000 composed of families, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. History buffs and thrill seekers climbed aboard for a ride in the Commemorative Air Force’s vintage P-51 bomber and “FIFI.”
“It’s not every day you get a glimpse of world history in your own backyard,” said David Bird, Executive Director of DuPage Airport. “It was a privilege to be able to celebrate our nation’s veterans with our community.”
“The Commemorative Air Force was delighted to return to DuPage this year with FIFI,” said Gerald Oliver of the Commemorative Air Force’s B-29 Team. “The turnout exceeded our expectations and we thank our gracious hosts for allowing us to display this aviation treasure to the community of DuPage.”
Residents also had the opportunity to take introductory flight lessons, guided cockpit tours and get an up-close look at some of the machinery the airport has on site, including other vintage military vehicles, various tenant aircrafts and DuPage Airport snow removal equipment, which is capable of removing 6,000 tons of snow per hour.
“Our doors are always open to our neighbors,” said Bird. “We want to see aviation’s popularity continue to grow and we invite residents of DuPage back anytime.”
