Skyfest draws large crowd

FAIRCHILD AFB – Tens of thousands of area residents came to experience the fun of Skyfest 2022 hosted at Fairchild Air Force Base on May 14 and 15.

Many showed up to see the headlining Air Force Thunderbirds. Some came to watch the 11 aerial acts and others were there to tour the multiple aircraft staged for public viewing. Some folks were there to experience the whole event.

"I wanted to bring my sons out because they really just love planes," said Tiffany Hanson from Spokane. "They had so much fun being able to sit in and view the helicopters and planes and when the actual airshow started, they were in awe."

The Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team started the aerial performances by gliding to the ground with the American Flag trailing behind and the National Anthem playing in the background. Shortly afterward, a pair of T-38 Talons screamed by for a couple of passes.

The aerial acrobatics teams took to the sky next and provided an exciting performance going into free falls and catching the plane as it tumbled back toward the earth.

Another highlight of the day was the historic B-29 Superfortress called "Doc," one of only two B-29s left in the world. The aircraft was built in 1944 and still catches the eye when flying by.

Hanson's son, 9-year-old Bradley, said that there were so many "good parts" to see at Skyfest but admitted the Thunderbirds were his favorite.

"They were so fast and loud," he said excitedly. "I couldn't believe they were flying so close together- it was really awesome!"

Thousands of people lined up to visit the static displays, many surrounded by the various food tents set up for the event selling hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, and more.

Some of the static aircraft that families could tour included a C-17 Globemaster, a KC-10 Extender, KC-46 Pegasus, and an A-10 from the Idaho Air National Guard. The tours gave people a chance to learn about the history and abilities of the featured aircraft.

Multiple West Plains businesses donated the food at the distinguished visitor's tent, according to Volunteer Committee Chair and Social Media Manager for the West Plains Chamber of Commerce Tonya Murray.

"Since I have a history with the base and have experience catering, they came to me with a question," Murray said. "What if the West Plains Chamber could rally some west plains businesses to provide some food for the distinguished visitors tent?"

Murray said she was able to bring in food from 40 partners to put together a sandwich bar for Saturday and a salad bar on Sunday. She added that she found success in simplicity because the food from day one rolled right into day two for the salads.

"We absolutely could not have done it without those partners," Murray said. "It was so easy too because everyone pitched in. We got tomatoes from one place, olives from another place, lettuce from another partner and then we just brought it all together. I can't even believe how smoothly it all went this year."

When Thunderbirds took to the skies and finished their performance with a signature "Delta Burst," the crowd screamed and cheered, and the afternoon excitement came to an end.