Skyfest 2019 coming in hot

With Skyfest 2019 right around the corner, West Plains residents with a need for speed will soon be satisfied as Fairchild Air Force Base hosts the annual airshow and open house on Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The free, one-day event is meant to showcase the airpower of the Pacific Northwest and is set to feature several performances as well as static displays of a variety of aircraft.

Performances will commence starting at 1 p.m. are set to include multiple parachuting demonstrations by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) jump team, the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team and other groups.

Spectators can also look forward to a low-pass air refueling demo and a B-52 Stratofortress fly-by.

Aircrafts on display will include a C-17 Globemaster III, an F-35 Lightning II, a MV-22 Osprey and many others.

Shannen Talbot can be reached at [email protected].

The base has implemented new security policies that limit what items can be brought into Skyfest in an effort to create a safer event for community and military members, according to Air Force officials.

Prohibited items:

Coolers or excessively large bags 

Weapons of any kind, to include pepper spray

Flammable items 

Silly string/Spray paint/Permanent markers

Alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs of any kind

Glass bottles/liquids without factory seal

Bicycles, skateboards, scooters or rollerblades 

Pets (Service animals will be allowed, but emotional support animals are prohibited.)

Ground/Air remote controlled vehicles, to include drones

Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, Scanners

Laser pointers

Authorized items: 

Transparent, clear or mesh backpacks/bags no larger than 12"x12"x6"

Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand

Hand carried items: diaper bag or "fanny pack"

One gallon clear plastic bags 

Pocket knives with less than a 3.5 inch blade can be retained by owner

Baby bottles/formula 

Stroller or wagon for children

Service animals 

Plastic beverage bottles with factory seal intact

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. All visitors are subject to search by Fairchild Security Forces members upon entering the event. Do not leave animals or children in your vehicle.