Air show returning to Cape in June

What are those buzzing, air-chopping, roaring sounds overhead?

It's the return of the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival after a two-year absence.

City officials this weekend announced plans for the historically popular two-day event are indeed underway at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

In 2011 and 2012, the airshow was not held for a variety of reasons, including concerns about the quality of shows when there was trouble booking some acts.

"It's great to have the airshow back again," said Mayor Harry Rediger. "It's been so well-attended in the past, and it generates visitors to our community and brings citizens out to a great event featuring our airport. I'm looking forward to the show, all the attendees and a good time."

Airport manager Bruce Loy said this year's event, set to take place June 28 and 29, has a roster that still is forming, but overall he is pleased with the lineup.

This year's show will be a "scaled-back" version when compared to some years' events, he said, such as when the U.S. Navy Blue Angels appeared in 2010.

"Still, we really do have some excellent entertainers coming," Loy said. "We are confident this will be well-received."

Currently on the schedule are the Aerostars Aerobatic Team, a group of planes that perform tricks in a tight formation and perform close pass-bys; Kent Pietsch, a pilot who performs an aerial comedy act and drop tricks in a plane sponsored by the Jelly Belly Co.; Bill Leff, a pilot who performs an aerobatic routine and uses pyrotechnics at night in an T-6 Texan; Randy Ball, who performs in a MiG-17F fighter jet; and pilot Mike Rinker, who will fly an aerobatic SU-26 plane.

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Mitchell B-25 Bomber, "Maid in the Shade" also will be part of the show, and will offer rides in the week leading up to the show and June 30 the Sunday after the show. Several other acts and attractions may be added as the show nears, Loy said.

No specialized military performers, such as the Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds or Army Golden Knights will participate -- the U.S. military canceled its performances this year as a result of budget cuts to the Department of Defense.

Loy said the cost of the show is expected to be right at $100,000. Main sponsors include Loyd Ivey for MTX Audio, the Southeast Missourian, River Radio, KFVS12, SoutheastHEALTH, Cape Air, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Stan Crader for CDC-BME STIHL, Arch Air Medical Services, Pepsi, Drury Southwest and Procter & Gamble.

Loy said he expects a turnout of between 8,000 and 10,000 people for the weekend.

Vendors are signing up to participate, and Loy said there also will be kid-friendly attractions, such as large inflatable climbing and sliding equipment and other features that will be announced later. Organizers also are setting up a "hangar dance" featuring a live band June 28.

Additionally, a special memorial tribute to veterans will be at 6:30 p.m. June 28 during which family and community members can participate by launching a skylantern. A fireworks show will follow performances June 28.

Loy also said he anticipates the SEMO Modelers Club, which makes and flies model and radio-controlled airplanes, will demonstrate models during the weekend. Various types of aircraft also will be on display.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. June 28. On June 29, gates will open at 10 a.m. and shows will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 and will be available at the gate or in advance beginning Wednesday. Advance tickets may be purchased online at capegirardeauairfestival.com.

Loy said the airport is looking for volunteers to help with vending, events, selling tickets and other duties. Anyone interested in volunteering or who would like to know more about any of the events may call the airport office at 334-6230.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau, Mo.