Fairchild announces full Skyfest lineup

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – Area residents can expect a weekend full of fun at Fairchild on May 14-15 during the Skyfest Airshow. The gates will open at 9 a.m., and the aerial events will happen from noon to 4:30 p.m. each day.

Some of the acts include the Wings of Blue Skydivers, a local historic flight foundation that will bring a B-25 named "Grumpy," the U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo Team, and the Thunderbirds as the event headliners.

"This year, we're proud to boast an incredible roster of air acts, including the headlining Thunderbirds," said Major Raychel Bates, director of air operations for Skyfest 2022. "We will also have the historic aircraft Doc out of Wichita, Kansas."

Colonel Cassius Bentley, Commander of the 92d Air Refueling Wing, spoke about the historical importance of the base and the community ties Fairchild has developed through the years.

"I think it's great we have the hanger that's been around since 1942- that says Global Reach for America," Bentley said. "That's what Fairchild does.

"We could not do that without the community, and this free airshow is a great way to pay back the community."

Captain Veronica Ragay is another team member that helped develop a comprehensive plan to bring everything together and organize things to run efficiently on the base flight line.

"Our priority is not only to provide a safe flightline for all of our guests, but also to ensure that all those in attendance can get the full experience," she said. "The weekend of the airshow, we will have designated parking areas on base and a free zone space for guests to walk the flight line and observe all the static displays."

According to Lt. Michelle Chang, organizers expect approximately 70,000 visitors to attend the festivities. The last air show was held in 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. Officials are enthusiastic about having a fully open event.

"It is amazing. It is great to open things back up," Col. Bentley said. "In May, we'll see Bloomsday, followed by the best airshow in the Air Force. Then in June, we'll see the Hoopfest tournament and in July, we'll have the soccer tournament that Fairchild is hosting. It is very exciting to open things up and have people come together as a community."