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Dancer in the sky

Written by Amy Bentley, Photo courtesy Margaret Stivers

Whether it's vintage war planes or today's fighter jets, helicopters or pilots doing amazing acrobatic feats in the air, there will be plenty to amaze at the 17th annual Riverside Airshow.

During the event, wing-walker Margaret Stivers of Chino will climb out of her seat aboard a perfectly fine Stearman biplane — piloted by her husband, Hartley Folstad — and perform an incredible act of dance and gymnastics in the sky. "It (takes) practice and learning what your body can do in an extreme environment," said Stivers, who has logged more than 1,000 flights over the years — many of those at the Riverside Airshow.

"This is one of the best civilian-organized shows in the country," she said. "The crowd makes it. People are enthusiastic. For us, it's a joy." Weather permitting, the couple will perform about a dozen flying passes with Stivers dancing and walking on the wings, doing gymnastic moves and a final "victory pass," when she raises the American flag. Stivers performs more than a dozen different stunts and poses that incorporate dance, elegant ballet moves and gymnastic feats. skydancerin the Headlining the show will be Air Force pilot Lt. Col. Ed Hamill, who flies a biplane with basic instruments — similar to biplanes used by the first barnstormers who dazzled audiences with flying demonstrations in the 1920s and 1930s.

"I do a high-energy aerobatic performance," said Hamill, who will be making his second appearance in Riverside. "I tell a story, with narration and music. I tell my story, which is, ‘Living the dream: Set goals, work hard and never give up.' " On the ground there will be displays of military aircraft (including an F-18 fighter) and vehicles, antique planes, helicopters and classic cars. Vendors will be selling novelty clothing, toys, souvenirs and other fun stuff, plus pilots will be available to talk with visitors and sign autographs.

Last year, a record 92,000 people attended the Riverside Airshow.

Riverside Airshow
Where: Riverside Airport, 6951 Flight Road
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28; pancake breakfast outside the airport café starts at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free admission, parking is $5
Note: It's OK to bring cameras, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles and lawn chairs, but leave pets, firearms and alcoholic beverages at home.
www.riversideairshow.com
www.edhamill.com
www.silverwingswingwalking.com

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