Monday, September 12, 2011

The Flying Circus

Yesterday, our friend Allie and her 2 year old hit up The Flying Circus Airshow, out in Bealeton, VA. Bealeton is about an hour and 20 minutes from DC, so a bit of a schlep but totally doable.

The Flying Circus is essentially an air show using WW II prop planes. It was an absolutely wonderful time. I liked nearly everything about it: there's a skydiver who starts the whole affair off, plenty of acrobatics, a bit of history for us adults (including tales of an Airborn Aircraft carrier built in 1932!) and a wing walking demonstration. It's just good wholesome fun, and at $8.00 for adults (there's a $2.00 off coupon on the website), the price was definitely right. Our friend's 2 year old enjoyed the show, and there was plenty of space for him to run around. After the show, we were able to inspect the airplanes and chit-chat with the pilots and wing walker.

I suppose for a generation used to piloting a realistic F16 on their home video game console, the show may seem a bit slow at times. But, I think it's a great opportunity for kids to see some impressive planes in action.

My only niggle with the show, and I know I'm being way too sensitive here, is that part of the show includes German-accented character (The Black Baron) that is the butt of a number of jokes and pranks. I get that he's playing the role of foil and idiot - but in a show geared for kids, I just didn't think it was necessary. Kids don't need to see someone who looks and sound different being made fun of. Like I said, I know I'm being way too sensitive here, and it surely wouldn't keep me from attending the show, but I really don't see any value in it.

All in all, it was a fantastic time. Should be fun for the whole family.

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