The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May Airport, NJ, is preparing for the return of its annual Wings & Things Arts & Crafts Festival on June 27. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will once again bring vendors, classic cars, museum exhibits, and family activities into Historic Hangar No. 1, the former WWII training facility that now serves as the museum’s home. Throughout the day, visitors can expect a mix of entertainment and hands-on activities, including performances by The Lost Sailors, RC car racing, face painting, caricature artists, chalk art, paddle boats, and racing simulators provided by Game Glide Adventures. Arts and crafts vendors from around the region are also expected to attend, offering everything from photography and artwork to jewelry and home décor.
The festival will coincide with Hot Rods at the Hangar, which is expected to bring a mix of vintage and modern vehicles to the museum grounds. Vehicle owners interested in displaying their cars must register in advance. In addition to the festival activities, visitors will have access to the museum’s collection of more than 26 historic aircraft and permanent exhibits. Among them is Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During World War II, an exhibition curated by Dr. Patty Chappine and presented in partnership with the Noyes Museum of Art at Stockton University. The exhibit examines daily life in Atlantic City during the war years.
Artwork submitted to the museum’s annual Soarin’ High Art Contest will also be displayed during the event. This year’s contest invited artists of all ages to create works inspired by America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, focusing on the nation’s history, traditions, people, and landmarks. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day from several vendors, including Mr. Potato Head, Hit the Road Jack, Poppin’ Bob’s, Hippie Kitty Coffee, and Pirate Pete’s. Visitors will also have access to the museum’s Beer & Wine Garden and Victory Scoops ice cream parlor.
Festival admission is included with regular museum admission. Guests will also be able to climb the restored WWII control tower overlooking Historic Hangar No. 1 and learn about the history of Naval Air Station Wildwood, where 42 naval aviators lost their lives while training during WWII. The Wings & Things Festival is supported in part by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage. For more information and to support the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, click on this link: usnasw.org.
