VERO BEACH — This weekend, the celestial blue skies over the Vero Beach Municipal Airport filled with planes flying in formation and performing daredevil stunts to the chagrin of the very few people in town who did not know there was an air show going on.
“I thought we were being attacked,” said one older gentleman at Publix on Friday afternoon. The cashier reassured him that the planes were rehearsing for the first air show held in Vero Beach in 16 years.
The airshow continues today until 5 p.m.
After a decade during which Indian River County suffered two major hurricanes, a crashing economy, and the departure of its beloved Dodgers, this city, rich with aviation tradition, was ready for an air show.
Thanks to the Vero Beach Air Show, Inc., a non-profit organization, along with the Indian River, Treasure Coast, and Vero Beach Exchange Clubs, and the Indian River County Veterans Council, the air show was resurrected.
Long before the Wright Brothers and Leonardo DaVinci, humans have been enthralled by flight. Evidence of this was the more than 20,000 people from all over the state who swarmed the Vero Beach Airport this weekend to experience military and civilian air demonstrations as well as ground static aircraft.
“This is really a good show,” said Arda Aydin, a student pilot at Flight Safety. “To see all these machines in one place is such a treat. The pilots are so incredible.”
The airport is located on the grounds that were once used as the Naval Air Station Vero Beach, during World War II.
“Due to the great weather, we’ve had a great turnout. The weather is still holding up,” said Airport Manager Eric Menger. “The performers have done a flawless job. Everyone has had a great time.”
Aviation acrobats Skip Stewart, Greg Koontz and the Alabama Boys, and Patty Wagstaff, six-time recipient of the “First Lady of Aerobatics” Betty Skaggs Award, performed gravity defying feats, as the formation flying SkyTypers dazzled the crowd with messages in the sky.
Pyrotechnics were the climax each afternoon, as Neil Darnell made it out of the flames in his FlashFire Jet Truck, much to the surprise of the crowd.
Student pilot Caleb Rappel, a senior at Vero Beach High School, happily volunteered at the event.
“Matt Younkin was my favorite,” said Rappel. “He does an amazing show.”
Gates opened each morning at 9, and the flying began around Noon. Shade was provided by the airplanes on display, as well as by the many refreshment stands, lemonade being the most popular as the sunny afternoon wore on.
VIPs paid extra to have lunch and shade in a chalet. All proceeds from the air show were contributed to local veteran and child abuse prevention organizations.
Guests meandered along the runway, filled with several types of airplanes, including the Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter, a bumble bee yellow Piper Cub, and The Eclipse, ‘the World’s only personal jet.’ An A-4 fighter tore up the sky and enthralled everyone. Sunglasses and ear plugs were for sale, and both were necessities once the show began. For those weary of craning their necks, there was a classic car show.
Local sponsors included Kmetz Nuttall Elwell Graham, PLLC, CenterState Bank, Southern Eagle Distributing, and John’s Island Real Estate Company.
If you missed the excitement this time around, another show is scheduled for May 10-12.
