WINTERSET, IOWA - On May 25 & 26 the John Wayne Birthplace will be celebrating the legendary actor's birthday with a lavish salute to the enduring 1952 film classic, "The Quiet Man." In addition to big screen presentations of the film at Winterset's vintage Iowa Theatre, the weekend will include the Midwest premiere of the Loopline Film documentary "Dreaming The Quiet Man" by Dublin director Se Merry Doyle, live stage performances of "Maurice Walsh's The Quiet Man" by Frank Mahon, the Inisfree Race Meet (a 5K run/walk), breakfast at the Winterset firehouse, traditional Irish music at the Little Dublin Irish Pub, guided tours of the John Wayne Birthplace home, "Pie Squared," a pie tasting event on the historic Courthouse square, corned beef and cabbage at the Pheasant Run tavern, a special Birthplace Museum Benefit Dinner and auction, and rides on an authentic horse-drawn Irish jaunting car like the one featured throughout the movie.

Hailed as director John Ford's greatest triumph, the "The Quiet Man" stars John Wayne as an American boxer who, after accidentally killing an opponent in the ring, returns to his Irish birthplace to forget his troubles. Instead he falls in love with the fiery Maureen O'Hara and their ensuing onscreen romance became a Hollywood legend. The picture received Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography. But the real star of the picture, according to O'Hara, is Ireland itself, a fact not lost on organizers of this event.

The original Quiet Man story was written by popular Irish author Maurice Walsh and, using the same source material, Chicagoan Frank Mahon wrote an award-winning stage adaptation of the tale, "Maurice Walsh's The Quiet Man." Mahon's play has been presented throughout the United States and Ireland and will be performed by The Winterset Stage theater company throughout
the weekend.

The documentary "Dreaming The Quiet Man" includes interviews with Maureen O'Hara, John Wayne's daughter Aissa, directors Martin Scorsese and Peter Bogdanovich and surviving bit players in Ireland who worked in the film. Much of the documentary takes place at the actual sites in Ireland where "The Quiet Man" was filmed 60 years ago and where very little has changed.

A highlight of the celebration will be a Benefit Dinner program ($100 per person) to help raise funds for the planned John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Hosted by the actor's daughter, Aissa Wayne, the evening will include traditional Irish food, a performance of music from "The Quiet Man" score, an auction of "Quiet Man" collectibles and memorabilia and a performance by the acclaimed Shannon Rovers pipes and drums.

For further details on the event and dinner reservations visit the John Wayne Birthplace website:
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday

For further information contact Brian Downes, Executive Director: (515) 462-5817
downes@johnwaynebirthplace.org

The attractions are ready. The matchups are set.
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Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation, Quad City International Airport  was just named as Chair for 2012-2013 of AAAE, the American Association of Airport Executives. It's a very prestigious role, as he will be involved at the regional and national levels, representing the membership of this organization. (I have included the AAAE history below.)

I have included a link to the AAAE release (below).  I have also included his biography which we typically use for introductions prior to speaking engagements, for more detail about his career history.

ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world's largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

BIOGRAPHY:

Bruce Carter started his aviation career in 1975 as an FBO fueler and later became a charter pilot in Mankato, Minnesota.  In 1978, he was hired as an air traffic controller until the PATCO strike in 1981. Bruce owned a Fixed Based Operation in Clarion, IA, before becoming involved in the airport management field in 1984 when he became the Operations Manager at the Waterloo Airport. In 1986, he became the Airport Director at Waterloo Airport. He was Director of Aviation in Springfield, Illinois, for three years and Director of Airports in Peoria, Illinois, for five years.  Since 1999, Mr. Carter has served as the Director of Aviation at the Quad City International Airport.  Mr. Carter is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) and has served as President of the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE, chaired the NAC and the Airport Ground Handling Association (AGSA). He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the American Association of Airport Executives as Chair, as well as serving on the International Association of Airport Executives.   Mr. Carter is also a commercial pilot, holding an instrument and multi-engine rating, and was previously a certified flight instructor logging over 2800 hours.

Personal:  Bruce is married to Faith Carter and they have two grown sons and two grandchildren.

Born:                            Kanawha, IA

Graduate:                      Waldorf College, Forest City

Airport Manager:          Clarion & Waterloo, IA

Dir. Of Aviation/Dir. Of Airports:  Springfield, IL, Peoria, IL, Quad City International Airport, Moline, IL

The 6^th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival will be held May 5 & 6, 2012.  All along the 90-mile stretch of historic Route 66 - from Joliet to Towanda, IL - there will be a wide variety of events.  Each of the 13 towns located along this portion of the "Mother Road" will offer its unique collection of activities associated with the festival.

In Joliet, the Route 66 Visitor's Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum will be open from 8AM to 5PM on Saturday and noon to 5PM on Sunday.  Admission to the Route 66 Experience portion of the Joliet Area Historical Museum will be free during the festival.  Discounted rates will be available on these days for RCC attendees desiring to experience the Museum's galleries. Joliet Area Historical Museum is located at 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, (815) 723-5201 ext 226.

Saturday in Elwood will be "Are You Elwood?" day.  The festival organizers there will be searching for a favorite Blues Brother and calling all Elwoods to the stage at Lloyd Erickson Park.  Live & DJ Entertainment all day at Lloyd Erickson Park will be followed by an evening of live Blues entertainment. Bring your roller skates and have a blast from the past at the Bobby Sock Skate at Lloyd Erickson Park. There will be children's activities and food vendors all day long and visitors can cruise the village to see the historic homes of Elwood.  On both Saturday and Sunday there will be a special Children's Garden at Lloyd Erickson Park. 815-423-5011.

Wilmington will be encouraging festival travelers to stop and take a photo with the Gemini Giant, Dino the Sinclair Dinosaur, Elvis cutouts and more.  A  20-mile bike Red Carpet Ride begins/ends downtown at 9 AM and there will be flea markets, music, Hula & hound contests, cockroach races, RC car racing, and food all day. On Sunday there will be  a baby back rib cook-off, morning worship service, a Twinkie decorating contest, children's games and more.  815-476-5991

Braidwood will celebrate the Mother Road with an extended flea market, baked goods, beautiful hanging baskets, craft displays, food, bounce house, a clown on both Saturday and Sunday.  The Polk a Dot, member of Rt66 Hall of fame, will be celebrating 25yrs in business. On Saturday only, Braidwood will serve as a stop on the 20 mile Exelon Red Carpet Bike Ride on Rt 66. For more information, call Angie 815-353-3053.

In the village of Godley, Saturday will be highlighted by the Cruisin' Rt 66 Motorcycle Show & Rodeo.  Sunday will feature the Cruisin' Car Show, and a Sunrise Breakfast.  On both Saturday and Sunday there will be Flea Markets, an Automotive Swap Meet, a Children Pavilion w/ Touch-A-Truck, a bicycle rodeo, a Motorcycle Cowboys Stunt Show, Music, Food, and Entertainment. The Illinois Rt 66 Mining Museum will be open as well.

Braceville will offer festival-goers an opportunity to see the historic town and talk to Alice Creech, historian of Braceville, on Saturday.  There will also be fossil displays available for viewing, and great baked goods from the church.  Stop by Mazonia State Park for some great scenery. For more information contact the Village of Braceville at 815-237-8655.

Historic Gardner  will hold a "Meet & Greet" on both Saturday & Sunday at the diner car & historic jail.

In Dwight on Saturday there will be fun, games, and food, including the 2^nd Annual BBQ Cook-off at Bassett Park.  On both Saturday & Sunday there will be town-wide garage sales, and open house at the Texaco Welcome Center.  Call 815-584-3077 for more information.

In Odell, visitors are encouraged to celebrate historic Route 66 with a visit to the historic 1932 Standard Oil gas station where they will find souvenirs, soda & nostalgia!

Pontiac's Red Carpet Corridor Festival will include the grand opening of a new, special exhibit at the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum.  The display, "Remembering the 1940's" will open on Saturday for the first time.  Around the downtown area there will be a carnival, an Art Festival, food, and entertainment.  Chinese Artist Tang Dongbai will be creating colorful, original art on city sidewalks, and the Pontiac Jolly Trolley will be giving guided tours.  On both Saturday and Sunday there will be City-Wide Garage Sales and the Livingston County Humane Society will sponsor a Flea Market at the Old Log Cabin.  On Saturday morning only, a Touch-A-Truck event for kids will be held at the Pontiac Rec Center.  For more details, call: 815-844-5847.

Chenoa will feature a Saturday Carnival, vendors, live bands and the Chenoa 4th of July Committee's Pork Chops.  Sunday will see the Carnival continue as well as a performance by entertainer Anjanel Folkens. Everything is happening at Chenoa Swimming Pool Park -located directly on Old Route 66. 815-945-7779.

Lexington's Saturday events are being held at Mounce Automotive 302 S Spencer on Old 66. The Lexington Vintage Tractor Show will kick off at 8AM on Rt 66 walkway.  The Zoo Lady will entertain children from Saturday 10AM.- 3PM. At the entertainment tent Elvis is back in town with Lexington School band and singers, featuring Chris Corkery. On Sunday there will be free Unique Twist Balloons from 10AM to 3PM, and a children's parade at 11AM.  All are welcome to join in! Garage sales both days! 309-365-3331.

On both Saturday and Sunday in Towanda there will be a Flea market, area garage sales, antiques, food, entertainment and Route 66 memorabilia at the North Park. On Sunday only, a car show will be held on old Route 66.  The Cattle Bandits Band will play at 1PM at North Park. Come visit for 2 days of family fun, and check out Schenk's Route 66 Garage!  For information on Towanda's festival call 309-728-2169.

This year's Festival Collectable will be a set of decorative keys.  Each of the thirteen towns along the Red Carpet Corridor will have a limited number of its own "key to the city" which they will give to Red Carpet Corridor Festival travelers.  By stopping at each of the towns and collecting all 13 keys, the traveling festival attendee will be awarded a special commemorative key chain to hold the keys.  Supplies of the keys are very limited and will be distributed only in person on a first-come, first-served basis.  No telephone, mail, or email requests please.

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