Hangar Party 2026 Sets Attendance Record with 800 Guests
BOWLING GREEN, KY – Aviation Heritage Park and Museum celebrated a record-breaking evening on June 20 as approximately 800 guests gathered at the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport for Hangar Party 2026, the organization’s largest fundraising event in its 20-year history.
The annual celebration brought together aviation enthusiasts, veterans, community leaders, families, and supporters from across the region for an evening dedicated to honoring aviation history and supporting the museum’s mission.
Proceeds from the event directly support Aviation Heritage Park and Museum’s ongoing programs and operations, including free museum admission six days a week, educational exhibits, STEM camps for children, Simulator Saturdays, artifact preservation, and the development of new exhibits that share the stories of America’s aviation heroes.
Guests enjoyed a memorable evening filled with great food, music, and patriotic tributes. White Cotton BBQ served a delicious barbecue dinner that received rave reviews from attendees, while White Squirrel Brewery returned with a selection of popular craft beers and refreshing spritzers.
The Sidewinders kept the energy high throughout the evening, filling the hangar with classic favorites that had guests singing along and dancing late into the night.
One of the most moving moments of the event came during the Tennessee Pterodactyls’ Missing Man Flyover. The formation flight honored America’s military aviators and veterans, leaving many in attendance visibly touched by the tribute.
The patriotic opening ceremony featured members of the local Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron presenting the colors, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Derrick Huff.
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of Aviation Heritage Park and Museum’s newest Distinguished Aviators:
- CWO3 Charles Browning, USA
- CW4 Timothy “T-Bone” Vincent, USA
- Lt Col Nathan Baker, USMC
- Lt Col Gerald Roark, USAF
- Lt Col Roy D. Simmons, USAF
These remarkable aviators join the museum’s growing collection of hometown heroes whose stories represent courage, service, and excellence in military aviation.
The celebration also served as a preview of exciting developments coming to the museum. The new Freedom Gallery will open to the public on July 4, featuring exhibits honoring Charles Browning, Gerald Roark, and Timothy Vincent. Additional exhibits highlighting the service and accomplishments of Nathan Baker and Roy Simmons are planned for later this year.
“This event would not be possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors, volunteers, guests, and community partners,” said Aviation Heritage Park Hangar Party Chairman Bob Pitchford. “Every ticket purchased helps us preserve aviation history, inspire future generations through STEM education, and ensure that these extraordinary stories remain accessible to the public free of charge.”
As Aviation Heritage Park and Museum celebrates two decades of preserving local aviation heritage, the record attendance at Hangar Party 2026 demonstrates the community’s continued commitment to honoring those who served and inspiring those who will follow.
For more information about Aviation Heritage Park and Museum, upcoming events, and the opening of the Freedom Gallery, visit Aviation Heritage Park and Museum.
