By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
As of now, there are eight stops in 2024 for the B-29 Superfortress named Doc. One of those stops is Great Bend, as the historic plane will perform at the Great Bend Airfest this upcoming September.
The plane is one of 1,644 B-29s manufactured in Wichita during World War II. Great Bend Airport Manager Martin Miller was excited to have Doc return to the show for the first time since 2018.
"We couldn't get Doc in the last show," said Miller. "Josh Wells with Doc, finally came together and came together with us. It'll be great to have it here and it works out great with an already huge airshow."
Great Bend Airfest will include three day shows and a night show beginning the weekend of Sept. 20. Miller said the airshow has nine acts currently confirmed.
Doc will be available for flight experience rides and ground and cockpit tours.
This fall will mark the fifth Airfest in Great Bend since starting in 2012. Organized every three years, the 2021 Airfest saw just over 9,000 spectators attend the three-day event. The show three years ago cost approximately $185,000 to put together, while receiving roughly $180,000 in sponsorships and admission.
Find more information at greatbendairfest.com.