May 25, 2022

No: 2209

Our big event the first of May each year revealed some interesting comments from visitors whom had not been to the museum in the past year (or even several years). There were lots of comments about the change/improvements in the overall display of aircraft and the addition of all new outstanding exhibits in Freedom Hall. Everything was neat, well marked and "organized in a way that just made sense." Changes to the layout and presentation of vehicles in the Woodland Auto display, "took my breath away! It was incredible!"

Out of nearly 500 reviews posted on Google, Estrella Warbirds Museum has a 4.8 average out of 5 stars. Did you know the most commonly mentioned items is "kids"? "This is a kid friendly place to visit. We went with 3 kids under 2 and one 3 y/o and the kids had an absolute blast!" "So much history here. Great place to take the kids." "Took the kids and they had a blast!" "Great place for kids to be able to touch and climb in real War machines." "Kids and parents both enjoyed every bit!" - All 5 star reviews! Yelp gives us an overall 5 star rating! TripAdvisor gives us a overall 5 dot review rating! From a Santa Cruz visitor, "I've visited 3 - 4 times, always bringing new people with me. For the size, quality of the collection and the price of admission, it's a "must see" while you're anywhere near Paso, and that means Morro Bay, SLO, Pismo, Lake Nacimiento, etc. If you choose to skip the air museum, expect to spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours with the cars, unless you've got a car nut with you."

Thank you everyone who had anything to do with Warbirds Wings & Wheels 13 & Swap Meet on May 7th. The weather turned out perfect and the crowds were overflowing - all as a fund raiser for Estrella Warbirds Museum! We want to especially honor all the sponsors and volunteers who donated money, time, items for auction or just labor to help make it a successful event. Pictures? We have a ton of them. Check out the www web pages to see images from a variety of great photographers. Make sure you patronize our sponsors and thank them for their support. There's also a menu item where you can connect and share your favorite photos of this event. Ken Carlson (above) was presented the President's Choice award for his 1947 "slightly modified" Willys Jeep which he had just completed. Awesome job to all the winners!

Car clubs from around the state have found that using Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display as a "group destination," provides a great atmosphere for their groups' event. During the last two weeks groups including the SLO Vettes, the Targa Group and just prior to Memorial Day weekend, and the Golden State Classics will be hosted at the Museum for their pre-car show dinner. Golden State Classics holds a large car show downtown Paso Robles on the 28th. Ken Neuman, our museum coordinator and tour manager has had his hands full while always providing a most excellent job. Visitor numbers are definitely up over previous year's totals.

The Legends of Kearney Bowl (LOKB) Speedway display at the Woodland Auto Display generated quite a large number of visitors during the Warbirds Wings & Wheels event. Other high traffic areas (and generating a lot of conversation were the cars currently on loan from the National Sprint Car Museum. Jon Galiher's 1952 Mercedes Benz Cabriolet Landau was chosen as the Woodland Auto Display Best of Show award winner. Up close reviews of the chosen vehicle revealed a high quality of craftsmanship and patience in the restoration of this automotive classic.

If you haven't visited the display in the past several months, you deserve it to yourself to come on down and check out all the new vehicles and memorabilia now showing at the Woodland Auto Display!