In advance of the third annual Hollister Air Show, Airport Manager Mike Chambless said a sunny weather forecast has spirits soaring before the Memorial Day weekend event.
“The weather looks like it’s going to be fantastic,” he said. “We have a few new performers and acts this year that are going to blow some people’s minds.”
The event, scheduled for all day Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, began three years ago as a way to market the airport. It will feature aerobatic acts, food and vendor booths, various aircraft on display, airplane and glider rides, and various exhibits.
There will be 600 seats available on the flight light on a first-come, first-served basis and lawn chairs and blankets are recommended for spectator seating.
Chambless said among the many performers and pilots zooming at the air show will be a team of Air Force para-jumpers, the troops who rescue downed pilots.
Single-day tickets, available for sale at the gate for cash only, are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for children under 5. Parking is $5 per vehicle. A free shuttle bus will be in service from the downtown parking garage to the airport from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The $45,000 event, financed by the airport fund, has “worked well” over its three-year history, Chambless said.
“We collect data from the people when they buy tickets,” he said. “We’re about 50-50 between out-of-the-area and in-the-area guests. We have people this year flying in from L.A. to come to the show. It’s getting the word out about the airport.”
This year’s event already has an advantage over last year’s – the weather. Rain dampened the 2011 air show, impacting attendance and resulting in a $2,800 overall loss for the show. No rain is in the forecast this weekend, and moderate temperatures and sunny skies are anticipated.
“We’d like to see everybody come out and have a great time,” Chambless said. “Be patient if it’s crowded.”
For more information on the air show, including a complete schedule, list of performers and other event information, see www.hollisterairshow.com.
