Warbirds…A sky-blazing annual event at the Venice Municipal Airport. Restored World War II planes including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and the P-51 Mustang fly into the airport bringing awestruck visitors back to the days when airport was established as an active military base. These planes visit 120 cities in more than 35 states every year on a tour put on by the Collings Foundation, founded to preserve the history of aviation. Event visitors are encouraged to tour the planes, speak with the veterans who come, and fly in the planes for 30 minute flight experience opportunities and even have “stick time” aboard the P-51.