Aerobatic pilot Gary Ward will perform at the 17th Annual Boshears Skyfest, set for Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, at Daniel Field on Wrightsboro Road in Augusta.

The show is named after Forrest Boshears and his brother, Willis "Buster" Boshears, who are known for pioneering general aviation in the Augusta area.

In fact, it was Forrest that sent a 16-year-old Gary Ward off on his first solo flight.

"My regular instructor wasn't there, so I flew with Forrest Boshears," said Ward, a native and resident of Lincoln County. "I remember that he was tall and lanky and didn't have a lot to say. Basically, I was intimidated. I looked up to him. He was a legend in his own time — he could fly anything.

"After about 30 minutes, he said, 'Try it by yourself one time.' I had no idea I would be flying in a plane by myself for the first time when I flew with him. Soloing was the furthest thing from my mind."

Ward will be joined at the air show by the Paratainment Parachute Team, the Trenton Radio Control Association, pilot Greg Connell, and many others.

Gates open at 9 a.m. Tickets are $15, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge.