In The Summer Time: The Barnstormer Carnival
In The Summer Time: The Barnstormer Carnival
Prose and Photography: Richard "Zulu" Souza
Sometimes it takes a strange occurrence to spark a thought in my head. That strange something were images of an ice-covered Bourbon Street on TV. That winter chill put my mental needle to vinyl and that crackling sound erupted to a well know "uhhm chim-chachim" human beatbox, a piano and banjo blending to create a unique groove and warm vibe. Since then, I haven’t been able to shake Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” from my head. As the song continues, I change the lyrics;
“In the summertime, when the weather is high
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather's fine
You got airplanes, you got airplanes on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find”
Maybe it is too modern or not vintage enough but when I listen to that classic 70’s tune, I see and smell…airplanes.
As Summer approaches, pilots and aviation enthusiasts get excited about their annual pilgrimage to EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. For some, that pilgrimage will include an obligatory stop at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Springfield Ohio. You may remember a story I once wrote about modern-day Barnstormers.
Well, those are the faithful that will join Dewey Davenport and the team of dedicated volunteers on July 12th and 13th for the 11th Annual Barnstormer Carnival. I think it is safe to say that this Carnival has become a staple of not only the community, but the region. People will travel many a mile for the opportunity to fly in one of the several biplanes available for rides at a very reasonable price. This is a very family friendly event. It is one that is designed to not only put smiles on the faces of children and adults but to spark that aviation flame we all have deep inside.
I don’t want to write negative things about large aviation events, but I will talk highly of the little ones. The booms and bangs and things that go fast are nice, but their heart and soul have been exiting stage left. It is people like Dewey and Goodfolks & O’Tymes that keep the heart and soul of aviation events intact.
Across this nation, there is an airfield and a group of friends that only want to share their passion. They are the aviation equivalent to the mom-and-pop shops and are more than deserving of our patronage. If this sounds like a plug, it’s because it is. A huge one at that. If you haven’t planned out the family vacation, do yourself a favor: pack the kids, dog and parakeet into the wood paneled station wagon and make your way to Springfield Ohio (July 12&13). But instead of “Holiday Road” blaring on the 8-track, might I suggest something with a groove and a vibe…. Yeah, you guessed it… uhhm chim chachim.
11th Annual Barnstormer Carnival
July 12th & 13th, 2025
Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport
1251 W. Blee Rd
Springfield, OH 44502
Photos from 2024 Edition of The Barnstormer Carnival