by Tom Chillemi –
The 26th Wings, Wheels and Keels (WW&K) event is set for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Hummel Field airport, on Grey’s Point Road (Route 3) in Topping.
WW&K will have more than 100 antique, classic and exotic cars and vehicles, numerous aircraft and more than a dozen boats, said Event Chairman Rusty Gill.
This year WW&K will include a special grand opening ceremony for the new longer, wider, and safer runway that has been re-aligned so planes fly over water instead of houses. The 3,200-foot-long runway is about 1,000 feet longer than the original runway it replaced. These improvements and others were the goal of pilot and Middlesex businessman Oscar Barber, who also was the project construction manager and funded the local share. The runway work was completed in about four weeks, after years of planning.
The overhaul of Hummel Field, which is owned by Middlesex County, got FAA approval on Sept. 8 and the new runway opened immediately.
A special display of military helicopters is planned, including a dual rotor CH-47 from the U.S. Army’s Fort Eustis base in Newport News. Other helicopters coming include a UH-60 Black Hawk from Fort Bragg, N.C., and an HHC-60 Air Ambulance from Fort Knox, Ky.
The helicopters will be open for visitors to board and view the interior, said Gill.
WW&K usually attracts a number of vintage “war birds,” military aircraft that are privately owned. Antique, ultralight and experimental aircraft will be flying in for the day. All will be available for an up-close inspection.
No Limits Skydiving of West Point will put on an exhibition at 11 a.m. A skydiver will parachute in flying the American flag, said Gill.
There will be a free children’s carnival with unlimited rides, and activities.
Food will be available for purchase, and craft vendors and educational information booths will abound.
Vehicles expected for the show include street rods, customs, exotics, vintage race cars and restored vehicles. Cars and trucks from just about every era will be on display, said Gill.
Boats could include classic wooden boats to high performance enclosed, cockpit drag racing hydrofoils.
There is no admission fee; however, a parking donation is appreciated. Parking proceeds will benefit the Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department.
WW&K is sponsored by Middlesex County and the Virginia Department of Aviation.
To volunteer, email info@wingswheelskeels.com.
2022 Wings, Wheels & Keels Schedule
- 8 a.m. – Gates open. Display of four military helicopters, unique cars and boats.
- 8 a.m-noon – Memory Lane Car Club registrations accepted.
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m – Free Children’s Carnival operating along with children’s activities.
- 10 a.m. – Phun Doctors perform classic rock.
- 11 a.m.– No Limits Sky Divers parachute in.
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Radio Active remote control model aircraft show.
- 1 p.m. – Phun Doctors perform classic rock.
- 3 p.m. – Car show awards in car area.
- 4 p.m. – Wings, Wheels and Keels ends.
