The Flying Circus is an old-fashioned barnstorming extravaganza that  has recreated the halcyon days of aviation for more than 25 years.  It proudly claims to have "the authenticity of a museum with amusement park thrills."

All across America small towns used to look forward to the excitement of the visiting barnstorming show.  Town folk would run out into yards and fields when the new-fangled flying wonders buzzed their community.  The Flying Circus near Bealeton is one of the last examples of this highly popular form of entertainment.

Shows are given at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday afternoons from May through October by an enthusiastic group of aviation buffs, including broadcasters, military and airline pilots.  As one airline pilot said, "The Circus gives you freedom to enjoy what you're doing.  At 200 feet, you can feel your speed, see the ground go rushing by under you.  At 35,000, you feel like you're standing still."

Many of the flyers at the Circus have rebuilt their own biplanes, planes with double wings.  Among the vintage planes flying here (and seen elsewhere only in museums) are a 1940 Stearman, a Waco and a 1929 Fleet.  Like the barnstormers of old, the pilots take them through all kinds of aerobatics (stunt flying).  The audience gasps seeing these biplanes made of cloth, wood and wire turn somersaults, fly upside down and plummet dangerously close to the ground.

Young and old are impressed when a pilot breaks a series of balloons with his plane's propeller blades.  As a stunt flyer explains, "First impression is that all you have to do is hit the balloons with the airplane, which is no big deal, but if you don't slice it with the last four to six inches of the propeller, it won't pop."  Another popular stunt is slicing a falling ribbon three times before it hits the ground, an incredible demonstration of the maneuverability of biplanes.

The Flying Circus parachutist can land on a dime; or at least an airshow equivalent, the tiny platform directly in front of the cheering crowd.  The top crowd pleaser is the wing walker.  Exactly like less sophisticated audiences of the 1920s and 30s, today's visitors hold their breaths when the daredevils climb out of the cockpit.  Without parachutes they stand on the wing while the plane loops and barrel rolls.  The biggest applause comes when the wing walker hangs by his heels as the plane makes a low pass across the field.  The tension is relieved by watching the clowns and the tethered hot air balloons.

The Roaring ‘20s Barnstorming show with 15 acts lasts about 90 minutes, but visitors (picnickers included) may come as early as 11:00 A.M.  when the field opens.  After the show you can view the biplanes up close and talk to the pilots.

For an experience you'll never forget, try a ride in one of the vintage planes.  It's worth the fee, especially if you're willing to indulge in a bit of aerobatics.  Passengers ride in the front cockpit and once you put on the helmet and goggles you'll feel like a flying ace.  There are also hot air balloon rides. 

Plane models can be purchased in the wooden hanger that serves as a small museum.  A stand sells snacks and cold drinks. Admission is charged.  Special events, include model airplane competitions, antique car meets and the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in mid-August.  For additional information call (540) 439-8661.

Directions:  From I-95 at Fredericksburg take Route 17 north for 22 miles.  The Flying Circus is just off Route 17 on Route 644 near Bealeton, watch for signs.