Event features battle re-enactments, 5K run
By Holly Neumann
The 25th annual Iola Vintage Military and Gun Show will be held Aug. 13-14 at the Iola Car Show Grounds.
The event will include live encampments from several eras, M35A2 (deuce and half) truck rides, steamed corn from antique equipment, vintage weapons demonstrations, vehicle parades, indoor gun/weapon show, food and more.
“The Military Show promotes conservation, preservation and displays historic military equipment,” said Joe Opperman, public relations and marketing director for the event. “The live encampments are fun, interesting and educational. They give you a great idea of what life was like for a soldier at war during various conflicts.”
According to Opperman, live war reenactments are also a big hit for people of all ages.
“Everyone loves seeing the vintage equipment in operation,” he said. “It’s a family friendly way to experience a little history together. Kids are lined up after each battle reenactment to run out and collect the spent blank cartridges as souvenirs.”
New to the show this year will be the addition of an Xtreme Air 5K run.
“I’m very excited about the run as I think it could grow into something very big for the area,” said Opperman. “The grounds are perfect, and you don’t need to be a professional athlete to do it. You can run for fun or run for time.”
Xtreme Air 5k is a family friendly 5K obstacle course, featuring 12 inflatable obstacle stations throughout the run.
“Consider this to be the every man’s Spartan/Mud run,” said Opperman. “This is suitable for all ages and abilities, and we hope to make it an annual event.”
Opperman said he knows of a couple of professional/competitive Spartan and Battle Frog racers coming to run the course.
“They are very excited to do it,” he said. “It’s a nice break from competition and a great way to have some fun while training. We’d also love to see some of our area athletic teams consider doing this together. It will be a great team-building opportunity.”
The run will begin at 8 a.m. on Aug. 13.
Participants may go to the Xtreme Air website to register.
Ticket prices are $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under and will include wristbands to the military show.
Daily admission for only the Military Show is $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under. The gates open at 8 a.m.