Union-Bulletin

WALLA WALLA -- "Maid in the Shade" will not be flying away too soon.

The World War II B-25 bomber will extend its visit to Walla Walla through June 30, said Jennifer Skoglund, airport manager. The aircraft will depart July 1 for its next stop.

Skoglund said the extended stay is because the tour schedule for the aircraft has changed while its sister ship, the B-17 "Sentimental Journey," undergoes safety checks and maintenance.

The B-17 was scheduled to accompany the "Maid in the Shade" to Walla Walla, but was returned to Arizona after the crash of a different B-17 southwest of Chicago earlier this month. There is "still a slight chance" the B-17 might fly into Walla Walla next week, Skoglund said, but that has not been confirmed.

Both aircraft are maintained and operated by the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, which is based at Falcon Field in Mesa.

In a related development, the Kirkman House Museum is sponsoring a drawing for a ride on the "Maid in the Shade."

Tickets for the drawing are available for $5 apiece at the Kirkman House Museum, 214 N. Colville, or at the entrance to the B-25 exhibit at Walla Walla Regional Airport.

Rick Tuttle, one of the event organizers, said the drawing will be made at the end of the day Saturday and the winner will get to fly on the aircraft Sunday.

The time of the flight has not been determined.

Andy Porter can be reached at andyporter@wwub.com or 526-8318.