CAF Red Tail Squadron – Event Update Fair St. Louis 2013
Dates: July 3-6, 2013
Event: Fair Saint Louis 2013
Location: St. Louis Downtown Airport and Gateway Arch Memorial
The 33rd Annual Fair St. Louis featured a special recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen. The CAF Red Tail Squadron and representatives from the Hugh J. White and Lewis Lynch TAI Chapters welcomed Lt. Col. George Hardy and Major George Boyd to St. Louis for the Fourth of July festivities, as the city rolled out the red carpet in their honor.
Wednesday was a busy day as numerous interviews were conducted at the St. Louis Downtown Airport. Major George Boyd and Yolanda Wood along with Marvona Welsh talked with television, radio and newspaper personnel with the B-17 in the background. Later in the day, they attended the Wheels Down Welcome Reception at Nestle Purina Pet Care Company Headquarters. The Tuskegee Airmen were quite popular at this event, as they signed autographs and were photographed numerous times. Francis G. Slay, Mayor of St. Louis welcomed the Tuskegee Airmen to the city of St. Louis, as they shared a few moments together during the reception.
Thursday was quite busy, as Major George Boyd conducted more interviews and then shared an inspirational message as he started the Schnucks Freedom 4-Miller Race. Both Major Boyd and Lt. Col. Hardy then served as the Honorary Grand Marshals of the 2013 Veiled Prophet Parade. Thousands lined the streets to cheer for their heroes. After a few interviews, they joined the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at the base of the Gateway Arch Memorial.
On Friday the P-51C Mustang arrived at St. Louis Downtown Airport and was on static display for the VIP Air Show. It is estimated that over 350 people attended including Lt. Col. George Hardy. As Lt. Col. Hardy arrived, Danny Clisham announced that an Original Tuskegee Airman was in attendance. The crowd cheered and then Lt. Col. Hardy signed autographs and greeted the guests. Throughout the day at the airport, Bill Shepard signed autographs, met with the spectators, and conducted several interviews. Downtown by the Gateway Arch Memorial, Major George Boyd and the TAI representatives were positioned at the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit conducting interviews and signing autographs. Jacqueline Covington volunteered to help with the registration and she distributed the Rising Above Booklets.
On Saturday CAF Red Tail Squadron Pilot, Bill Shepard participated in both airshows. The first was a unique performance at the St. Louis Downtown Airport Special Needs Air Show for over 2,500 spectators. The Mustang was on static display in front of the crowd, and Bill was available for pictures. As requested by air show officials, Marvona distributed posters of the Mustang along with I-pad cards and Rising Above booklets. The crowd enjoyed seeing the Mustang perform. After the demo, Bill signed autographs for over an hour. This was a special performance for a very special crowd and they loved the CAF Red Tail Squadron.
On Saturday evening, the Mustang participated in the downtown show in front of hundreds of thousands who had gathered at the base of the Gateway Arch for the Fourth of July festivities. The crowds cheered as the Mustang performed around the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
Attendance: Estimated over 500,000 spectators
Educational Outreach – The CAF Red Tail Squadron’s RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit was set up at the Matthews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club for visits on Monday and Tuesday. Over 425 children enjoyed their RISE ABOVE Experience as they received their Inspirational Dog Tags. Groups include the Boys and Girls Club and Girls, Inc. Summer Camp.
To see photos of this and other events please visit our Facebook album!
©CAF Red Tail Squadron 2013
