Cape officials hopeful about 2012 air show

The air show is likely to return to Cape Girardeau skies in 2012, but airport officials on Friday stopped just short of making it a promise.

But they did say they want the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival to return next summer, following this year's cancellation due to difficulty booking the performers they wanted.

"We're really wanting to do a show in 2012," airport manager Bruce Loy said. "But we really can't confirm it just yet. We're working as if it's going to happen, but you never know."

The picture will become clearer following this week's four-day International Council of Air Shows conference, which Loy will be attending in Las Vegas. The convention showcases air show professionals and performers; Loy works on booking while he's there.

The chances of getting the elite aerial aerobatics performers, such as the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels, are slim, Loy said, but he's going to try to get a mix of performers that attendees will find exciting.

"But if you've got 10 other air shows going on the weekend you pick, that could limit the amount of participation," he said.

Loy expects to know much more within a few weeks of returning from the convention, he said.

Since its first year in 1998, the air show has been canceled three times: in 2002 because of economic hardships; in 2009 because of a slow economy and the last-minute decision by the Blue Angels not to come; and again in 2011.

Loy said airport officials have considered holding the air show every other year. The air show this year could be a one-day event, like the one held in 2008 at the Mississippi River front.

The Cape Girardeau Airport Advisory Board discussed possible dates for the 2012 air show at a special meeting that was largely devoted to discussing the capital improvements program. The air show has traditionally been held in late June or mid-July.

"It is our full intention of having a show in 2012," board chairman Craig Bohnsack said.

But finding sponsors for the event, which generally costs between $125,000 to $150,000, can be a challenge, Bohnsack said. Some of the money comes from the airport budget, but in 2010 the show brought in $80,000 from sponsorships and ticket sales.

Bohnsack said the board and Loy are working to bring in performers that have never been to the Cape Girardeau air show. The show typically draws 10,000 to 15,000 residents.

"We have a couple of performers that I think would make a really neat show, and that's who we're trying to book," Bohnsack said. "After the convention, we'll most definitely be able to pin down other acts and try to have a show."

smoyers@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport