Look! Up in the sky!

In recent years, the annual air show at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport has become a major event that draws thousands of visitors -- some avid pilots and aircraft owners, some flying enthusiasts, some curious onlookers and some who just like to have fun at a well-organized summer event.

The success and growth of the air show is due in large part to the many aviation fans, supporters and sponsors and the able leadership of airport manager Bruce Loy, who, it would be safe to say, has never met an airplane he didn't like.

This year's event, "Heroes and Legends: Honoring Those Who Serve," is based on the strong support in this area for all the men and women in the U.S. armed forces. The show will feature all the thrills of aerobatics, parachuting and static aircraft displays with plenty of historic planes available for inspection. Tonight there will be a twilight show of aerobatics and illumination and entertainment along with a hangar dance.

There also are some parts of the air show are just for fun. Two jet-powered air show entries are certain to excite the audience: a 10,400-horsepower sports truck and a -- yes, you won't want to miss it -- a jet-powered portable toilet.

One addition to the air show this year is sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Jr., which is the newspaper's special newspaper by and for kids. The Jr. is offering youths 12 and younger memberships in Tracker's Jr. Pilots Club. The membership fee will include admission to the air show, a T-shirt, an opportunity to meet pilots, lunch, a paper-airplane contest and much more. More information about Tracker's Jr. Pilots Club is available by calling the airport at 334-6230 or by visiting the air show's Web site, www.capeairfestival.com.

If you want to have a fun time this weekend, make your way to the airport. There will be plenty to do for everyone in the family.