What a show

Organizers have estimated that as many as 15,000 people walked through the gates July 4 for the Libertyfest and air show at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. This was the first year that the air show and Libertyfest were combined.

Originally slated for downtown at the riverfront, the event was moved to the airport because of high river levels that required the closing of the gates in the floodwall that protects downtown.

The crowd exceeded all expectations. Vendors had a hard time keeping all the people fed. But it was a great day, from the live music at the beginning of the festival to the Spirit of America winner (and presentation of a U.S. flag by U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson) to the airplanes to the fireworks. The expected rain didn't come, and the cloud cover kept the temperatures down.

The one downside was the traffic situation following the event.

One suggestion for future events that attract huge crowds would be to have some late-night entertainment after the main event to offset some of the surge of vehicles headed for home.

Organizers can use the 2008 event to build on for future Libertyfests whether they're held downtown or once again at the airport.