Air parade to feature plane used for "Memphis Belle" movie

LAWRENCE -- A late addition to the ConocoPhillips air parade at the dedication of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics will feature a movie star of sorts.

The B-17 replica used to portray the Memphis Belle in the 1990 movie will be among the more than 20 WWII-era planes to grace the skies during the air parade at the University of Kansas.

The parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Monday, July 21, can be seen at KU's Memorial Stadium, where it also will be broadcast on a big screen. The parade is free and open to the public.

The visit by the plane coincides with an exhibit at KU's Spencer Museum of Art that will feature George Petty's "Memphis Belle" illustration, which adorned the nose of the B-17 bomber. The museum exhibit also features six watercolors by Alberto Vargas, who was known for his "Varga Pinups."

Throughout the four-day dedication, the general public can view the vintage aircraft at the Lawrence Municipal Airport. Parking for the aircraft display will be at the I-70 Business Center in north Lawrence near the East Lawrence exit from the Kansas Turnpike. Free shuttles will transport people from the parking lot to the airport.

At Memorial Stadium, people will be encouraged to sit on the east side to avoid looking into the sun. Concessions and restrooms will be open only on the stadium's east side.

Residents who live anywhere in the flight path between the airport and the stadium should be aware that some of the planes might reach loud levels. The air parade is scheduled to conclude by noon.

"We regret any concern and surprise that the event may cause," said Jeff Weinberg, assistant to the chancellor. "We hope that it will be viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime event for our community."

Some other points of interest regarding the air parade:

 • The aircraft will be on display at Lawrence Municipal Airport from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 20; from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 21; and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.

 • At the airport display, many of the pilots will allow visitors to sit in the cockpit and have a picture taken for a small donation, usually around $5.

 • Dole and other special guests will watch the air parade from Memorial Stadium's press box.

For more information about the event visit www.doleinstitute.org/dedication or www.dolemedia.ku.edu.