ARLINGTON — Although the B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” won’t be putting in its previously scheduled appearance at this year’s Arlington Fly-In, the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is making sure that those who visit the Arlington Municipal Airport from July 8-10 still get to see a vintage World War II bomber.

The group’s restored B-25 Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” is set to arrive at the airport around noon on July 8, and will remain on display each day through July 10 until 6 p.m.

“The B-17 needed a new engine, which they have to completely rebuild, so they’re sending us the B-25 instead,” Arlington Fly-In Executive Director Barbara Tolbert said. “We’re still getting a great warbird that’s making its first-ever appearance at the Fly-In.”

The “Maid in the Shade” is a veteran of 15 combat missions, flying out of Corsica during WWII. The restoration to bring it back to flying condition took 28 years and was completed in June of 2009. Rides will be available on this aircraft during the Fly-In for $395 per person and can be scheduled by calling 480-322-5503 or by visiting the bomber.

“We’ll also have the only DC-2 in existence at the Fly-In, courtesy of the Museum of Flight,” Tolbert said. “Clay Lacy Aviation will be flying it out. I’m really excited by all the new changes we’ll have ready for this year’s Fly-In.”

Among those features and activities making their debut this year will be a full-fledged carnival, complete with rides and games of chance, that Tolbert expects will be up and running by the evening of July 6, as well as the vintage car show that will be on display on July 10.

At the same time, Tolbert promised that familiar favorites would be returning, including the daily air shows, static aircraft displays, runway theater, and rides in biplanes, helicopters and other warbirds, as well as the Saturday evening hot air balloon “Night Glow” on July 9.

The Wednesday kick-off to the Fly-In is once again “Kids Day,” starting at 9 a.m. on July 6. It will offer hands-on exhibits and activities for youth, with a noon air show to complement lunch. Youngsters will also be able to go on “rides” in a three-axis aircraft simulator through July 10.

“The weather reports I’ve gotten for that weekend have been nothing but good news,” Tolbert said. “They’re predicting it will be drier and warmer than normal.”

Check out the Arlington Fly-In website at www.arlingtonflyin.org for a full listing of all its scheduled activities. As always, kids under 16 enter free with an adult.