What’s Up With the Airshow?

Back in 1912, a decade after the Wright Brothers first flew, Grand Junction saw it's first flight. This was such a big  accomplishment the two local newspapers cosponsored "Aviation Day" at the Fairgrounds which is now Lincoln Park.

The Sentinel promised the event was “not an experiment, but exhibition, both machine and birdman having gone through the tests making them fit for display.” and advised that in case the plane should crash, people should not “pull the aeroplane to pieces for souvenirs."

The plane was built by pilot Charles Walsh in 1910 and was apparently too weak to fly over the mountains into Grand Junction so it had to be brought in on the train. In the article I read excitement was so high for "Aviation Day" local businesses closed and they ran a special train service on the "Interurban". (Never heard of it? Neither had I, according to the article I read, it was a small train service between Grand Junction and Fruita.) They say 5,000 spectators attended this historic event.

The 2nd air show wasn't until 1914 and this time promoters offered car demonstrations that could only be seen inside the venue. Featuring gas powered bicycles and car racing, with daredevils breaking the state track record as they managed to get their car up to 70 mphs. A crowd estimated at 6,500 came to watch that year.

In the 1920s, local aviation enthusiasts began to use a dirt and gravel runway on the north end of Grand Junction, in 1929 the City Council voted to make improvements at the strip and it was dedicated as Grand Junction Municipal Airport in 1930, then eventually renamed after the editor of The Daily Sentinel, Walter Walker.

Fast forward to 2012 and the first air show we've seen since 2008. Thanks to West Star Aviation this 3 day event now hosts nearly 20 aerial performers by military and non-military aircraft, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Aerial demonstration team headlining the Sept. 22nd and 23rd shows with additional performers like the: Indy Boys Inc.; Bill Leff Air Shows; Tim Weber Airshows; Dan Buchanan Airshows; GJ Modeleers; Rower Airshows & Wildhorse Aviation, Inc.; Prop and Rotor Aviation; Lt. Derek Corbett (F-18 Rhino, VFA-106); Black Daggers Parachute Demonstration Team; U.S. Marines V-22 Osprey; Misty Blues All-Woman Skydiving Team Inc.; the Hammack Group, dba AirSports International; Wayne Boggs - Air Boss; Steve Oliver - Oregon Aero® SkyDancer; and Danny Clisham & SkyTalker just to name a few! All to benefit the Western Slope Hospice and Palliative Care.

Tickets are available at the gate and Friday evening, Sept. 21st there is no charge for children age 12 and under. Doors open at 6p

Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd there is no charge for children age 5 and under. Doors open at 9a

Parking is $10 per vehicle each day, available online or at the gate.

There are also VIP Packages available & include: seating under a private tent at tables and chairs along the flight line, a catered buffet-style meal, soft drinks and water. VIP Village also allows access to performers who visit the area.