Air festival offers fun for all ages

A fun-filled air show on Saturday and Sunday will highlight a busy weekend locally.

Headlining this year's Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival will be the Canadian Snowbirds. This is a nine-aircraft team that compares to acts performed by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds.

It is a show that nearly didn't happen. The Royal Canadian Forces' demonstration jet team canceled its U.S. appearances in 2014 due to budget cuts. But the Snowbirds representative later contacted airport manager Bruce Loy to see if Cape Girardeau was still interested if they committed. The answer was "yes."

Advance tickets may be purchased online at capegirardeauairfestival.com through Friday. They also are available at all Rhodes 101 Convenience Stores. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 7 through 11). Children under 6 receive free admission.

Tickets the day of the show may be purchased at the gate. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Children younger than 6 receive free admission. Premium ticket packages also are available for purchase.

Parking will be available at Rhodes Truck Stop, Lawless Harley Davidson, the former Do It Best, Agri-Trans and Genesis Trucking.

If you attended the 2013 show you know the excitement these events can bring. We hope you stop by this weekend for what looks to be another fantastic show.

Look for more advance coverage of the air show in Friday's Southeast Missourian.