The Fort Smith Regional Air Show, May 17 & 18, will feature an unprecedented number of demonstrations and static displays, according to Arkansas Air National Guard 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Officer Capt Heath Allen. “This year’s Air Show includes a full slate of aerial demonstrations featuring the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and United States Army Golden Knights.”
As in previous years, the 188th Fighter Wing will also present their “Fire & Fury” demonstration. This will be the first year that the 188th will fly their new aircraft, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly referred to as the “Warthog.”
The impressive list of attractions also includes United States Air Force demonstration teams including an F-15 Eagle and an F-4 from the USAF Heritage Flight program, along with the Navy’s F-18 Super Hornet demonstration team. Many acts include warbirds with military significance like the MIG 17 from Fighterjets Inc. a Twin Beech 18 and Super Decathlon provided by Younkin Airshows, and a T-6 provided by Bill Leff. There will be many statics available for viewing including an A-26, a Twin Beech, and a B-25, among others.
“There will be acts and displays for the entire family,” says Allen. “The -Shock Wave Jet Truck, and Franklins Flying Circus are always popular attractions for children and the Tora, Tora, Tora demonstration serves as a tribute to all World War II veterans.”
The Air Show will take place at the Fort Smith Regional Airport, with free parking and shuttle bus service from Southside High School, Phoenix Village Mall and Ben Geren Regional Park. Handicap parking and shuttles are available at Southside. There is also paid parking on the grounds of the Air Show for $5 with access from South 66th Street off Phoenix Avenue.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, however only those that are fully collapsible as opposed to folding will be allowed on the buses. No backpacks or coolers will be allowed on the Air Show grounds. Concessions will be available for purchase at the show. The 188th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council is also offering bleacher seating for $25 per seat, Sat. or Sun. or a Family Package for $125 which includes 5 seats and 1 VIP Parking Pass.
Gates will open each day at 8:30 a.m., with performances beginning at 9:00 a.m. pending favorable flying conditions.
The Fort Smith Air Show is presented by the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, the Fort Smith Regional Airport, 188th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council and Sam Phillips.
The Fort Smith Air Show is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation with no admission charge.
