Military buffs from near and far are more than likely to be found Saturday at the 7th annual Military History Show at the Henderson-Oxford Airport, which will feature military re-enactors, a variety of vehicles used during wartime and other activities.
What started out as a way for Harry Coombs to display his collection of military items has evolved into a day-long family-oriented event that gives back to the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee.
The show – open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – is free to the public, but Coombs said there will be a donation basket at the entrance for those who wish to contribute.
Last year’s event raised $2,100 that is used to provide services for veterans in Granville and surrounding counties, and if history repeats itself, this year’s event will top that.
There’s a silent auction packed with close to 100 items that folks can bid on, and Coombs told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk that he would welcome bidding wars, since all proceeds will go to benefit veterans.
There also will be a 50/50 raffle taking place during the day.
Another popular item is a helicopter ride, courtesy of Total Flight Solutions of Louisburg. Tickets are $40 a person for a ride. If you’ve got your heart set on having a bird’s-eye-view of the surrounding countryside, Coombs suggests arriving early – there’s usually a wait.
“Take advantage of it if you can,” Coombs said.
As the chopper takes off and lands nearby, a contingent of military re-enactors will be on the ground, representing different time periods – “from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War and everything in between,” Coombs said.
They’ll be in uniform, with equipment and gear for each time period represented.
There also will be weapons demonstrations throughout the day. “They fire blanks, so it’s all safe,” Coombs assured.
And if you’ve ever wondered what a World War II Half Track looks like, you’ll get your chance to see it up close and personal. Coombs’s 1938 BMW motorcycle will be on display, too.
There will be food vendors on hand, as well, so come hungry.
Details on the upcoming Military History Show at Henderson-Oxford Airport taking place this Saturday.