VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Air Show will go on as planned but without its main attraction – the Blue Angels.
Air Show president Robert Paugh made the announcement Friday evening that the Blue Angels canceled their appearance scheduled for Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, in Vero Beach.
The elite U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration’s air show performances have been on hold since the death of Blue Angel #6 Captain Jeff Kuss in a practice session on June 2 in Smyrna, Tennessee.
“Just knowing we had the privilege of hosting the Blue Angels has been an amazing experience,” Paugh said. “The decision not to perform must have been as difficult for the Blues as it is for us. We know they wanted to come to the Treasure Coast to honor Captain Jeff Kuss. We will miss not having them this year, but our community will come out to see our great show in their honor.”
About the Vero Beach Air Show:
Current plans for the show feature nationally known award-winning air show acts, including aerobatic champion Rob Holland and the Shockwave jet-powered truck who are returning to the show. New in 2016 is the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, the longest running civilian aerobatic team in North America, who will fly their North American AT-6 Texans in tight formation.
Aerobatic competitor and air show superstar Mike Goulian is an unforgettable favorite in his Extra 330SC. Carrying on the proud 50-year Franklin family air show tradition, Kyle Franklin will perform his hair-raising Dracula routine, pouring out white and blood-red smoke as he twists and tumbles through the air.
Of special interest to the Vero Beach community are the two warbirds in the show. Ed Vesely will fly the Commemorative Air Force’s Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, the only Helldiver still flying out of nearly 7,200 built in World War II. Navy pilots trained in SB2C Helldivers at Vero’s Naval Air Station, now the site of the Vero Beach Regional Airport and home to the Vero Beach Air Show. Greg Shelton, one of the air show industry’s best aerobatic warbird pilots will perform a full aerobatic routine in his FM-2 Wildcat and fly his red, white, and blue 450 Stearman for wing walker Ashley Key.
Veteran of competing in aerobatics and the Reno Air Races, Jacquie Warda will thrill the crowd performing in her Extra 300. In his Super Decathlon called “Blue” John Black will fly breathtaking inside and outside aerobatic maneuvers all the way down almost to the ground.
The Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team ‒ the first and only all women’s skydiving demonstration team ‒ will open the show with their 30’ x 60’ American flag. Members of the team hold 30+ skydiving records among them, including 16 world records. Allen Gencerelle has served as the Misty Blues’ pilot since 1986.
The show will also feature static military and civilian aircraft displays, warbird rides, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary exhibit, and a free Family Fun Zone complete with Windjammer Slide, Giant Obstacle Course, and Bungee Run; there’s even a Bounce House and a Crazy Slide for children 5 and under. Gates open at 9:00 am; flying starts at noon.
Piper Aircraft is the show’s Presenting Sponsor; Treasure Coast Newspapers/TCPalm.com /Gannett, the five Treasure & Space Coast Radio Stations, Southern Eagle/Budweiser, The Majestic 11 Theaters, and Waste Management are major sponsors of the show.
The Food Fest will be held as scheduled Saturday from 5-9 pm in Riverside Park, 3400 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach. It features 30 food trucks, live music by Collins and Company, and a chance to meet all the performers.
Vero Beach Air Show, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Its mission is to promote volunteerism, support the prevention of child abuse, honor men and women who are serving or have served in the armed forces, encourage military recruiting, provide wholesome affordable family entertainment and aviation education, and promote the city of Vero Beach, the Vero Beach Regional Airport, and area businesses. Send an email to [email protected] to find out how to donate to these worthy causes or to become a sponsor of the show.
Further information about the show is available at the show’s website at http://www.veroairshow.com and on its Facebook and Twitter pages. Sign up at the website for occasional breaking news about the show for insiders as it becomes available.
