OWLS HEAD -- Check the oil and clear away the cobwebs, the Owls Head Transportation Museum kicks off its 2008 event season, May 25, with the Owls Head Spring Auto & Antique Aeroplane Show. Owners of pre-1988 cars, trucks or motorcyles-of any make or model-are welcome to exhibit their vehicles on the Museum's Runway 17. Exhibitors and a guest get in free.

A competitor in the Owls Head Transportation Museum's Ingo Bike Challenge. It's not as easy as it looks!

"If you have an antique, classic or special interest vehicle, this show is for you," says Museum director Charles Chiarchiaro, "It's a great way to start the rally season."

As part of the day's activities the Museum will actively demonstrate a few of its turn-of-the-century automobiles as well as give free rides in Ford Model Ts. Special children's activities and Museum tours are planned. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family.

This event is also "Corporate Appreciation Day" and the Museum has invited all its Corporate Supporters, their employees and families to attend free of charge, as a "thank you" for their support.

A special guest at the event will be Winona Robinson Gay, 88, who will serve as Ingo Queen and Honorary Judge for the always popular Ingo Bike Challenge. Winona's father, Bryan Robinson, gave her an Ingo Bike in the 1930s and she was often seen riding it around her hometown of Warren, Maine. She donated the bike to the Museum in the 1980s where it has become the bane of frustrated competitors ever since.

The Ingo-Bike was manufactured by the Ingersoll-Rand Corporation from 1934 to 1937. It is powered by the rider making a bouncing motion on its platform to turn the eccentric hub rear wheel and give forward motion. Suffice it to say, it's is a lot harder to ride than it looks and the Challenge is always good for a laugh or two.

There will be plenty of fun for the whole family at the Owls Head Transportation Museum's Spring Auto & Antique Aeroplane Show, Saturday May 25.

The antique aeroplane show will begin at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Aircraft conservator Karl Erickson and a team of volunteers have been working tirelessly on getting the Museum's fleet of of World War I-era biplanes ready to take to the skies. Back on the flight line will be the 1917 Curtiss JN-4 or "Jenny" made popular by barnstormers of the 1920s. Also seeing action will be the 1917 Nieuport 28C.1, 1916 Sopwith Pup and of course, the 1917 Fokker DR.I triplane (aka the Red Baron) among others. An open flightline will allow visitors to get an up close look at the planes as well as talk to the pilots.

The Museum will auction off rides aboard its 1941 Stearman and 1933 Waco biplanes. Rides are good for one year and are transferable. The Stearman carries one passenger, the Waco carries two.

Rain or shine, visitors will have access to the Museum's indoor collection of dozens of antique cars and pioneer aeroplanes. The Museum will showcase its newest exhibit, "Tin Lizzie in Maine," a 100th anniversary tribute to the automobile that revolutionized and industry; celebrating its versatility and impact on the Pine Tree State. "This is one of our most ambitious exhibitions in the Museum's history," said curator Ethan Yankura. "We've recreated an authentic Maine garage-circa 1920-that houses our 1913 Model T as well as various items from the period. Also on display are several examples of how the Model T was adapted for a variety of uses from a rail car to an ice saw." A highlight for young and old is a cut-away Model T which has all the moving parts of a real Model T exposed for all to see.

Event admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children under 18 and $30 for families. Children under 5 are free. The Museum's newly expanded Museum Store will be open showcasing a large inventory of books, diecast models, children's items and more.

Gates open at 9:30 am. Food and refreshments will be available at the Squeaky Wheel.

Pets are not allowed in the Museum or outdoor exhibit area.

The Museum's World War I-era biplanes will take to the skies beginning at 9:30 am, weather permitting. Shown here: Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny.

Open daily, year round, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is located on Rt. 73, two miles south of Rockland. For more information call 594-4418 or visit the museum online at www.owlshead.org.