Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Northern Berks County sits one of the undiscovered (to many) jewels of Berks County, the Golden Age Air Museum. A walk through the parking lot on an event day proves that the museum, frequently referred to as Grimes or GAAM, is definitely not unknown to others as many out of state license plates pepper the parking lot. Aviation aficionados are very well aware of the museum’s existence, their events and the notable aircraft in the GAAM collection.
The Golden Age Air Museum’s Flying Circuses are presented two times per season (weather permitting) and are by far the most popular events for the general public on the annual schedule. The Flying Circus is a great family entertainment event and value. The actual skits and stunts often vary from one presentation to another. Keeping with the historical tradition of the Flying Circuses of the 1920’s and 30’s, some of the events are held on the ground while others are obviously in the sky. In the 1920’s and 30’s this was done to lure the non-paying spectators in the area into the airstrip. Some of the characters in the Flying Circus are based on real people (i.e. Amelia Earhart, Barney Oldfield and others) while others are fictitious, most notable of those are the eccentric Professor Von Burak and ‘Two-Faced Tony’, an escaped convict.
2013 Schedule of Events May 4: Museum opens for the 2013 season
June 15: Golden Age ‘Flying Circus’ Aire Show I (Raind date June 16)
July 13 and 14: ‘Wings & Wheels Extravaganza’ Fly-In, vintage automobile show and big band swing dance
August 23~25: Golden Age Radio Control Model Meet
September 14: Golden Age ‘Flying Circus’ Air Show II (Rain date September 15)
October 19 and 20: Great Pumpkin Fly-In
October 27: Regular business hours end for 2013
Golden Age Air Museum is located at Grimes Airfield, 371 Airport Road, Bethal. For more information visit the webiste www.goldenageair.org or call 717-933-9566.
