Pierce County News Release
Tacoma Freedom Fair Wings & Wheels returns to Tacoma Narrows Airport for its third year with activities for aviation, car and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
Wings & Wheels runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 6 at the airport, located at 1202 26th Ave. N.W. in Gig Harbor.
The event is part of the Tacoma Freedom Fair, which is produced by the Tacoma Events Commission. The Tacoma Freedom Fair & Airshow will take place on July 4 on the Ruston Way Waterfront.
“Bring your family to Wings & Wheels for a fun day of seeing historic planes, cool cars and motorcycles up close,” said Lori Linenko, the commission’s board chair and president. “You’ll be able to see airplane fly-bys, meet pilots, and take a ride in an airplane or helicopter. Then take a walk through our car and hot rod show. And don’t miss the Smoke-N-Thunder jet car as it races down the runway at nearly 300 miles per hour.”
The event also features food vendors, military displays, a beer garden, two jump castles and entertainment. Tickets are available in advance at www.FreedomFair.com or at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults 18 and older; $10 for seniors and military ID card holders; $5 for children ages 6 to 17; and free for children ages 5 and under.
Vintage aircraft and warbirds
“At Wings & Wheels, visitors will see a Stearman, T-6 Texan, Ace Maker T-33 Shooting Star, P-51 ‘Speedball Alice,’ MC-170 Fouga Magister, and an AH-1 Cobra, as well as many others,” said Doug Fratoni, Aviation Events Director.
Parking
Due to the limited access to the Narrows Airport, airport parking will be available only for those who purchase their tickets online before the event. Day-of-event ticket purchasers should use satellite parking at the Uptown Gig Harbor parking lot at 4701 Point Fosdick Dr. NW in Gig Harbor and take one of the shuttle buses that run to the event every 15 minutes.
Information for residents, pilots
Residents around the airport can expect some air noise during the event due to fly-bys and fly-ins. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department will provide traffic control at Stone Drive Northwest and 26th Avenue Northwest.
The airport will remain open for normal operations, with the exception of a three-hour airspace closure from noon to 3 p.m. A Federal Aviation Administration NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) alert for aircraft operators will be published in advance with the exact time of the airspace closure.