Cape Girardeau Air Show ready to take to the skies May 11

The skies above the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport will be the scene of fast-paced, dazzling aerial performances Wednesday, featuring the Canadian armed forces’ famed Snowbirds air demonstration squadron.

Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. for the Cape Girardeau Air Show. Admission is free.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The Snowbirds jet team will perform at 6 p.m.

“That is the latest they can take off and give a full show because of the sun angles,” airport manager Bruce Loy said.

VIP tickets can be bought for $25 in advance or $35 at the door for those who want reserved, front-row seating that includes food and drinks. VIP tickets also include convenient parking.

The show also will feature a Canadian F-18 jet Hornet fighter plane, the Canadian Skyhawks and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute teams. A heritage flight featuring a U.S. Air Force F-22 “Raptor” fighter jet flying alongside a P-51 aircraft, reflecting past fighter-plane technology, will be a part of the show.

The “Top Gun” jet-powered truck, with working cannon guns, also is scheduled to entertain the crowd.

RedLine Airshows’ two-plane aerobatic team will go through its maneuvers.

Loy advised people to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. No coolers or food will be allowed. Food and drink will be available at concession stands, he said.

“I suggest people who can get here early do so,” Loy said.

Public parking will be available at these locations near the airport: Rhodes Truck Stop, Lawless Harley-Davidson, GC Corp., Agri-Trans and the emergency animal hospital. Shuttle buses will take guests to and from the airport grounds.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau, Mo.