Greater Fort Smith Region Air Show 2008

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Event planning committee member Chuck Fawcett said when people are stopped along the highway or perched on hillsides surrounding the airport, “you know you have a great event.”

Col. Kevin Wear, commander of the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188 th Fighter Wing, called the show the biggest weekend event each year in Fort Smith, claiming an economic impact of $ 5. 5 million. “People will have the opportunity to look up-close at what we do,” Wear said. “With the history of the air show, we certainly will not disappoint anyone.”

The show has been held in Fort Smith every two years since 1987, except for an interruption for the 1991 Persian Gulf War. As well as hosting the show with the 188 th Fighter Wing / Fort Chaffee Community Council, the 188 th has its own act, “Fire and Fury.” The 188 th has performed at each show. This year it will fly the newly acquired jet, the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The unit traded in its F-16 Fighting Falcons for the “Warthogs” last year.

This piece by Dave Hughes runs down most of the major acts participating this weekend. Check it out.

Windows started rattling around 2pm CDT this afternoon. Pretty quick after that, phones started ringing all over Fort Smith. “Did you SEE EM???”

No rain, no storm clouds, no hail. The THUNDERBIRDS made their grand entrance into Fort Smith this afternoon!

Since that time, I’ve heard a few other loud jets overhead. Looks like the weather will be fabulous this weekend.

The Times Record put together a great feature story today — highlighting the high-flying entertainment in Fort Smith this weekend. Looks like a schedule or order of events will be forth coming. We’ll post the information here as soon as it’s made available to us.

As the 188th Fighter Wing, the Arkansas National Guard, and the 188th / Fort Chaffee Community Council Air Show Committee puts the finishing touches on preparations, every one of us planning to attend the air show should be making our own lists and checking them twice. Sort of like this:

1. Camera batteries charged and long lenses cleaned
2. Sharpies for autographs (great souvenir programs will be available for less than $5 each)
3. Sun screen (it’s gonna be a GORGEOUS weekend!)
4. A hat and sunglasses so you don’t miss a thing, even when the sun is straight up in the sky
5. Collapsible lawn chairs ready to load into the car
6. Map to FREE parking
7. Grounds map
8. Cash for concessions, souvenirs, flight simulators
9. Ear plugs are a maybe — depending on how CLOSE you want to get to the flight line
10. Lots and lots of hearty “thank you’s” and pats on the back for our men and women in uniform

Consider all this, too — the smaller your bag, the easier it will be to maneuver the bus, or walk to your vehicle, and to clear security.

Remember, we’re on a military installation and on airport grounds that are TSA-controlled. Homeland security rules are still in effect, even during air show weekend. Please respect the men and women who will be ensuring our safety.

Here’s a link to the U.S. Air Force’s “special events” section — highlighting the Fort Smith Air Show this weekend. It’s a synopsis of USAF participation. A pilot from the F-15 demonstration team did a live radio interview yesterday. They’re looking forward to storming into Fort Smith!

Weather forecasts are calling for storms tonight and tomorrow. Currently, the system is expected to be gone by Friday.

Weatherunderground.com 5-day forecast for Fort Smith

Air show enthusiasts in Fort Smith are already watching the skies. In an effort to help everyone cool their jets until the weekend, here’s a great video montage of the 2006 Fort Smith Air Show.

From airnav.com, see the aviator’s relevant data on how to fly into Fort Smith Regional Airport — location of the Fort Smith Air Show this weekend.

VIP seating options for Saturday and Sunday are sold out. Thanks to everyone for supporting the air show by purchasing premium seating.

Still, there’ll be plenty of room for aviation enthusiasts. Bring your entire family, load up some collapsible chairs, hop on a shuttle, and come enjoy the show.

FREE shuttle service will be available from these locations:

· Southside High School

· Phoenix Village Mall

· Ben Geren Regional Park

Handicap parking and shuttles available at Southside High School

Limited handicapped-accessible parking spaces are also available on airport property. See this map.

Also reference the map for the location of $5 parking on the premises. Proceeds from paid parking will be donated to charity.