Summer in the Sun at an Air Show: What Makes a Good One?

Summer is here and that means Air Shows! If you check a schedule, you will find there are plenty to choose from. That means you need to choose carefully. Some air shows simply are not worth the time and trouble, others are not much trouble and a great day in the sun.

What makes the difference between having a good time at an air show versus a waste of money and sunny day? I have been to quite a few around the country and here are 10 key points air show planners need to take into account:

First, make is easy to get to. This means no traffic jams on the way in or out and convenient parking. Choose an airport with good access and plenty of on site parking. People do not want to have to load strollers and lawn chairs onto a shuttle bus that they have to wait in line for. Any air show where I sit in traffic (sweltering, it is summer) or have to park in the next county is an air show I will never go back to.

Second, tend to people's needs. Yes, the food will be expensive so make sure there is a nice variety. Go overboard on the number and cleanliness of the port-a-potties. One of the best air shows we ever attended, for aircraft performance that is, was on the Chicago lakefront (see www.associatedcontent.com/article/168263/guide_to_chicago_festivals.html). Free to get in, but hardly anything to eat was available. There were long lines to the port-a-potties and the women coming out reported that it was "overflowing". I lifted my young girls over a snow fence partition so they could use a private one in the area for a local radio station. Do not overlook adequate water and shade, either.

Third, deliver what you promise. Advertising "Warbirds, Warbirds, Warbirds" and then finding there are only 3 actual warbirds there is just wrong. You might get away with it on a one day airshow, but if you have a 2 day event you can be sure that word spreads quickly. I am not the only person I know who will attend both days of a good 2 day event. Here is a show that is promising a lot, but can it deliver? www.associatedcontent.com/article/250001/quad_city_air_show_thunderbirds_at.html