Stearman Skies: Galesburg’s Aviation Celebration Takes Flight

In this episode of Galesburg's Morning News, we explore the 54th Annual National Stearman Fly-In, soaring into Galesburg, from September 1-6, 2025, at Harrel W. Timmons Galesburg Regional Airport. We spoke with Phillip Wolford, Vice President, and Diane Stickle, Director, about this vibrant celebration of vintage Stearman biplanes. The Fly-In honors the Stearman, a WWII-era aircraft that trained countless pilots and later became crop dusters, known for its “seat-of-your-pants, stick-and-rudder” flying experience, as Wolford, a nearly 30-year veteran of the event, describes. Expect around 80 Stearmans and rare WWII planes like P-51 Mustangs, with pilots traveling from Florida and California for daily fly-outs and contests. The week features aerobatic and formation flying contests, seminars like the “Stearman Q & A”, and community events. A highlight is Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 6, featuring the Dawn Patrol Flight Breakfast from 7-11 a.m., hosted by the Galesburg Noon Lions Club. For $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12, enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, milk, and orange juice—a family-friendly tradition that draws crowds to see planes take off at 6:35 a.m. Other Saturday events include children’s activities and the annual banquet. Admission is free, with $1 tram rides and Stearman rides available for a thrilling aerial experience. Wolford’s advice? “Look up—the planes are flying all the time!” Visit stearmanflyin.com for details.