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180,000 attend 2010 Airpower Over the Midwest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 2010 Airpower Over the Midwest air show wowed aircraft enthusiasts of all ages at Scott over the weekend with aerial demonstrations, static plane displays and fun activities for the entire family.

Lt. Col. Michael Kayser, air show director, said the weekend's events, which were attended by 180,000 people, were the best yet.

"All the long months of planning came together perfectly," Colonel Kayser said. "The show was great, and all those who had a part in it should be proud."

Air show patrons got an up-close view of military aircraft and equipment from the past and present with an array of acts ranging from single-seat aerobatics to long-range bombers and static displays showcasing civilian, military and vintage aircraft.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team headlined this year's show.

"Words can't describe how great the Blue Angels are," said Mary Donahue

Other performers included the Air Combat Command's A-10 Thunderbolt II East, F-16 Fighting Falcon Viper East and Heritage Flight Demonstration Teams; U.S. Army Golden Knights; Mig-17, Tora! Tora! Tora!; and a B-2 flyover on Saturday.

Attendees also had the chance to get up close and personal with more than a dozen static aircraft displays and even tour a few and talk to the crews who man them. In addition to the aircraft, the air show featured food, inflatable slides for kids, a car show, virtual experiences and other unique military displays.

Delaney Awtrey, 6, took a ride on a virtual aircraft carrier at the U.S. Navy "Feel the Rush" simulator.

"It was a lot of fun," she said. "I felt like I was on a boat, and I'm still dizzy."  Even with cloudy weather on Saturday, the show had record crowds.

"The show was awesome," said Jennifer Poenitske. "My kids really enjoyed the Blue Angels."

To see more photos, visit www.facebook.com/ScottAirForceBase.