July 4 Flyover Of Historic Warbirds Planned Across Coachella Valley

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Among the Fourth of July celebrations planned Saturday will be a Palm Springs Air Museum event recognizing more than two centuries of French-U.S. alliances, featuring a flyover by historic warbirds on a flight plan encompassing the entire Coachella Valley.

The public is invited to experience the Saturday afternoon affair, dubbed "America 250: Allies in Liberty," which is slated to begin at 2 p.m., boasting music, food, special presentations, exhibits and photo opportunities.

The museum published details via social media and its web portal, noting the gathering will be a "unique ceremony" to join with officials from the French Embassy in Washington, D.C.

According to the event flyer, the intent is to celebrate "the enduring friendship between the United States and France throughout our shared history in aviation."

French warships and troops were sent to aid the colonists in the United States' War for Independence toward the end of the 18th century, and the U.S. went to France's aid in World Wars I and II.

The museum will provide a static display of the 1950s French two-seat jet trainer Fouga CM.170 Magister, which is part of the Republic's Aerobatic Team. There will additionally be a P-40 Warhawk on display, with opportunities for visitors to sit inside the cockpit — permitted only on rare occasions.

The high point will be a "Wings of Liberty Flyover" set to get underway just after 7 p.m. at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

The museum's vintage C-47, "What's Up Doc," and its two P-51 Mustangs, "Bunny" and "Man O' War," will be taking to the skies for the tribute. They'll be winging across the entire Coachella Valley for roughly one hour, in plain sight of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Thermal.

General admission rates will be charged for the event: $25, except for children 12 and under, who'll be admitted free.

Senior, veteran and EBT card holder discounts are available.

Complete details can be found at palmspringsairmuseum.org.