Airshow comes to Williamsburg airport to celebrate its 55th anniversary

Good morning! Big airshow coming to Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport, Williamsburg city council getting recommendation to proceed with $26.2 million new library.

Clockwise from top left. Sportsgal stunt flight, Class of 45 WWII Mustang and Corsair, Misty Blues all women skydiving team, playground at airport terminal, Larry Waltrip.

Editor’s note — we corrected the misspelling of Charly’s airport and clarified the airport has received state funding but no federal funds.

Our local airport – we don’t mean the one in Newport News – will be celebrating its 55^th anniversary next month with a two-day airshow featuring nationally recognized performers including the first all-women’s parachute team, a flying circus, aerobatics and famed World War II fighters.

Larry Waltrip, owner of Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport in James City County, told us he plans to host more than 5,000 people for the event, which he is putting on at a six-figure cost.

But, as we talked at a table in the airport’s Charly’s restaurant, it’s clear the real meaning of the event for him is the recognition the local general aviation airport has finally gotten from the community as a public service, tourism and economic development asset.

The airport generates more than $4 million in economic activity, according to a 2011 report by the Virginia Depart…