The National Warplane Museum’s “Greatest Show on Turf” airshow 2025 edition is set to take place this coming July 12th and 13th. Warbirds, classics, and modern military aircraft will make the pilgrimage to Geneseo as they always do. Old friends will be seen, crowds will be delighted, history will be kept alive, and the spirit of aviation will be promoted. This year, the Warplane Museum has a new event preceding the annual airshow, a “soft opening” of sorts. On Saturday May 17th, 2025, the museum will host the first ever “Flying Objects” Kids Day at Geneseo Airport (D52.)
Geneseo’s “Greatest Show on Turf” airshow is an epic event each year, and has grown larger with each passing show. People of all ages attend the airshow, kids included. However, with the organized chaos of airshows in general; such as crowds, noises, and hot weather, children may not get the most enjoyment from a multiple-hours long show. Considering the sensory overload of the annual airshow, the National Warplane Museum decided to host an event targeted specifically toward children who are interested in aviation. The goal is to expose kids to all facets of flight, not just piloting fixed wing aircraft. Admission will be free, and is open to kids of all ages plus families.
The aviation industry as a whole is seeing rapid growth. While the popular “when I grow up” job is most commonly that of being a pilot, not every child will have the interest, the means, or the ability to become an aviator. The Warplane Museum has arranged to have multiple exhibitors to cover all the bases of future aviation opportunities. Some kids may find an interest in becoming a mechanic, others may be interested in aeronautical engineering, or air traffic control. The goal is to inspire kids to find something that truly calls to them, and then to go and chase that goal.
The National Warplane Museum event organizers have lined up a unique range of displays and exhibitors. The 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, of the NY Army National Guard, will be on hand with their Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk and Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters. They will give tours of the aircraft, and answer any questions kids or their families may have about their mission and about careers in military aviation. The Finger Lakes Soaring Club, based in nearby Dansville, NY will attend with their fleet of gliders and sport sailplanes. Gliders can be a great way to get into aviation and learn the science of aerodynamics and aircraft control, before pursuing powered flight ratings.
Alongside the helicopter and glider displays, a local balloon outfit will be on hand to educate kids about “lighter than air” travel. Elma, NY based engineering company Moog Inc. will attend to show children the opportunities in the field of STEM, and how they relate to future careers in aviation related fields. Last, but not least, the National Warplane Museum’s collection of aircraft will be on hand for static display. A few of the museum’s single-engine light aircraft, such as the AC-100 Darter, Aeronca L-16, and Piper L-21 may take flight during the event as well. “Flying Objects” Kids Day aims to be a day of fun and inspiration. The Warplane Museum is very much looking forward to getting kids excited about flight, and whichever route they decide to pursue within aviation. Tickets can be reserved at https://www.eventsprout.com/event/flying-objects-2025
