Bigger, better Wings 'n' Wheels rolls in tomorrow

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police Officer Tracy Hayes wanted to create a truly community event that was fun, fulfilled a purpose and brought the community together as one.

The Wings and Wheels extravaganza is the fruition of that dream, and this year’s event, now in its third year, is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

It all happens at Skyhaven Airport, with the marquee attraction being about a dozen planes that will be on hand to give children from 8-17 a free plane ride.

A group called the Young Eagles donate their planes, gas and time to give youngsters a chance to get a ride in the sky, Hayes said on Thursday.

She said that if the weather cooperates the planes will take kids up on 15-25 minute flights from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also, for the first time this year, Seacoast Helicopters will be on hand offering $30 helicopter rides for anyone.

Rochester Officer Tracy Hayes

Pilots will also be competing in a Passport Run, which is kind of like a motorcycle Poker Run. Pilots will visit as many local airports as they can, including, Hampton and Laconia, N.H.; and Biddeford and Sanford, Maine.

There will also be a car and motorcycle show, with as many as 200 cars and motorcycles on display. There will also be lots of planes on display as well, Hayes said.

“And this year everybody will be able to vote on which plane, car and motorcycle is the best,” said Hayes, who added that in previous years only the entrants voted.

Other attractions children will enjoy include face painting, a bounce house, dunk tank, watching Rye Airfield skateboarders performing tricks and a Harley Davidson jump bike, in which kids get to sit on and rev up a real Harley while posing for pictures for mom and dad.

Hayes said there will be lots of police activities at the event as well, including K-9 units, evidence trucks, motorcycle officers, and cruisers to see up close and personal.

With all the activities folks are bound to get hungry but not to worry, said Hayes.

There will be plenty of food, including popcorn, cotton candy, fried dough, hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages and chicken salad wraps for the health conscious.

Other activities include a Hot Wings eating contest sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings and a hula hoop contest.

While the free flights start at 8 a.m. most of the festivities don’t get going till 10. For a full program of events go to http://skyhavennh.com/_sky-pics/Peter/Program-w-date-2014.pdf

The best thing about the festival, Hayes said, is that every cost of the event is covered by a sponsor, and every penny raised goes to the city food pantry, which goes back into the community to help the needy.

Festivalgoers may make a food or money donation, Hayes said, but the event is free to the public.

The major sponsor of the event is Bank of New Hampshire.